Wanda Mae Tyrrel went home to be with the Lord on July 6, 2026. Born to Illif (Ike) and Neva (Peel) Ensminger on April 6, 1933, in Keosauqua, Iowa, Wanda's 93 years of life were a testament to the power of family, friendship, and faith.
In her marriage to Jack Richard Tyrrel on February 12, 1951, Wanda found a devoted partner with whom she raised three children—Jacquelyn, Michael, and Steven. As a homemaker she was often relied upon to care for the children of working moms. Nieces, nephews and her grandchildren have fond memories of her hand in raising them. She was a Girl Scout leader and PTA President. Family, neighbors, and friends, knew they would be welcomed with baked goodies, and plenty of the Pepsi she enjoyed drinking with a straw. Her delicious chicken and noodles became legendary, and in later years her lemon dessert and fresh-baked breads were eagerly anticipated by family, friends, and her church community.
Wanda's life was enriched by her myriad talents. She loved sewing, painting, making jewelry and crafts. Her skillful sewing, crafting, and painting left a legacy of cherished treasures for her family and friends. Her love for animals was well-known, and she showered her pets with affection and lots of food! No pet of hers was underweight as she most certainly enjoyed sharing her meals with them.
After approximately 80 years in Burlington, Iowa, Wanda moved to Louisiana, Missouri, near her daughter where she found a new community of friends and a church family that she cherished deeply.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, son Michael, siblings Billy (June), Robert (Barbara), Lois (Eugene) Crawford, Jerald, Sandra (Thomas) Raines, and nieces Judy Lemon and Christy Hempel.
Wanda leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her daughter Jacquelyn (David) Onnen and son Steven (Mary) Tyrrel. Her spirit lives on in her grandchildren Jennifer (Kent) Unwin, Jesse Wade, Chelsea (Jason) Meller, Ryan (Chelsea) Tyrrel, Sarah (Ryan) Phillips, Skyler (Amanda) Onnen and Isaac (Megan) Tyrrel, adopted granddaughter Amy Carpenter, as well as her great-grandchildren Cecilia, Carter, Miles, Harper, Connor, Griffin, Eleanor, Colton, adopted great granddaughter Madeline and great-great grandson Amarion. Wanda is also remembered by her sisters-in-law Joyce Ensminger and Carolyn Samberg, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.
A celebration of Wanda's life will be held at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, Iowa at 10:00 a.m. on July 18, 2026. A prayer service will start at 10:30 a.m. followed by graveside service at Burlington Memorial Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa. A service at the Methodist church in Louisiana, Missouri will occur at a later time. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Community Loving Care Hospice and Avenir at Maple Grove staff for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Missouri Humane Society in Wanda's memory, to honor her love for animals. (Please put her name on the memo line as any donations will be held for neutering animals in Louisiana MO) Wanda will be remembered every time someone rolls out homemade noodles, sits down to paint, enjoys a Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookie with a Pepsi, or spoils a beloved pet.
Wanda’s memory will be forever cherished.