Wanda Juanita Simonsen, age 99, formerly of Brainerd, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Centennial House of Apple Valley.

She was born on August 5, 1925 to Lawrence and Ella (Cox) Phillips n Elk Point, SD, moving to Sioux City shortly after. She graduated high school, and at age 19, married Robert E Reinke. They had two children. Robert was called back into the Navy due to the Korean War, and in June 1951, was killed in a plane crash in active duty.

In June, 1954, she married Eldon Simonsen, and in 1959, moved to Brainerd. They were active in the Methodist church, and also enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and loved spending time with family. In November, 1997, Eldon passed away.

Wanda continued to be active, traveling, fishing, camping with family, and going to senior dances with friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, sister Izetta Snodgrass, brother-in-law Forest Snodgrass, and son-in-law Dwight Anton.

She is survived by her son Gary (Debi) Reinke, and Genelle Anton, four Grandchildren Nicholas (Lindsay) Reinke, Christopher (Fiorella) Reinke, Ryan (Sandy) Anton, and Staci Weller. Four Great-Grandchildren Liam and Gabriel Reinke, and Blake and Olivia Weller.

Services to be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at White Funeral Home, located at 14560 Pennock Avenue, Apple Valley, with a Visitation starting at 10:00AM.  There will be a private Interment next to her husband, Eldon in Camp Ripley State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN at a later date.