Wanda H. Fankhauser

FANKHAUSER, Wanda H.
Paw Paw Wanda died early Wednesday morning, July 7, 2010 at her home in Paw Paw. She was born November 19, 1916, in South Haven, MI, a daughter of Milo and Hester Orr Sharpsteen. Wanda retired from Western Michigan University after 23 years, where she was the first female supervisor hired. In September of 1940, Wanda was united in marriage with Duane Fankhauser. Wanda and Duane owned Few Acres Stables in Otsego for over 20 years teaching horsemanship and equitation. They trained horses, riders and showed horses all over the U.S. Even after retiring and moving to Arizona and California they continued to train, ride and show horses. While in Arizona in 1996, they were both inducted into the Arizona Saddlebred Hall of Fame. In 2001, Wanda was preceded in death by Duane. She was also preceded in death by: a daughter, Diane Forsyth; a granddaughter, Jennifer Polly; a brother, Delbert and a sister, Ruth. Surviving are: a son, Dee J. Fankhauser & Karol Huckabee of Paw Paw; four grandchildren, Jayson and Angie Fankhauser, Jamie Gidley, Cindy Mark Newton and Michelle Randall Nelson; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Private burial services will be held in California. A memorial service will be held 1:00 Saturday afternoon, July 24, 2010, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Wanda's family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Wanda's online guest book or leave a condolence to her family. 269-343-1508