Wanda Marie Bohlander, age 77 of Alexandria and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Jan. 27, 2025 at home following an unexpected illness.  She was born April 19, 1947 in Indianapolis, the daughter of Clem and Regena M. (Brown) Dye.  Wanda graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1965.  She became a nursing aid at Mercy Hospital after high school and enjoyed caring for patients.  Wanda married her soulmate, Michael R. Bohlander on June 5, 1966, and they shared over 58 years of marriage together.  She formerly attended St. John's Lutheran Church and the Worldwide Church of God.

Wanda was a devoted homemaker nearly all of her life.  Family was the most important aspect of Wanda's life.  She enjoyed crafting and making things beautiful.  Wanda especially loved baking cakes and making homemade candy for many years.  Wanda's candy was purchased by many people through the years.  She was a very quiet and reserved person, but she genuinely came to life in the presence of her family.  Wanda will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Wanda's family includes her husband, Mike Bohlander of Alexandria; daughter, Dawn (Dutch) Parish of Alexandria; sister, Joyce Roberts of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Jacob (Emma) Parish of Elwood, Joshua (Aliyah) Parish of Elwood, and Amy Parish (Fiancé Bryce) of Alexandria; 2 great-grandchildren, Adrianna Fetz and Ambrosia Parish; siblings-in-law, Tim Bohlander, Linda (Johnny) Lennen, Christy (Erv) VanDermark, Jeff (Jo) Bohlander, and Brian (Robyn) Bohlander; and several nieces and nephews.  Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, James Thomas Dye and Jack Dye; 4 children, Michael R. Bohlander, II, Michelle Bohlander, Amanda Bohlander, and Joshua Bohlander; and granddaughter, Kylie Parish.

A funeral service celebrating Wanda's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Morrisett Center Food Pantry.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.