Wanda Heisel, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on October 26, 2024, with family at her side, following a brief illness at Avera Hospital one week before her 96th birthday.

Wanda Mae Saylor was born on November 2, 1928, in York, PA, the first of two daughters to Wilbur Roosevelt Saylor and Erma Jean (Heaps) Saylor. In later years, Wanda and Jeanie were joined by a half-brother, Danny Kalais. Much of Wanda and Jeanie's childhood was spent with their mother, performing as a talented musical duo along the eastern seaboard at various events and on live radio. Wanda graduated from Red Lion PA high school in the Class of 1947. "Our Gal Wanda" continued to perform professionally and appeared on live television in Pittsburg, PA, with the Wilkens E.Z.C. Ranch Gals. They recorded several record albums.

While working in television, Wanda met a handsome World War II veteran and broadcast engineer, Leo Charles Heisel. They were married on March 1, 1954. Their wedding was featured in the Pittsburgh regional edition of TV Guide. The couple would follow Lee's broadcast career from Pennsylvania to Florida, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire, and eventually to Sioux Falls, SD, when Lee was hired as the Vice President of Engineering for KELO-TV. Throughout the moves, ten children were born to Wanda and Lee: Robert, Jonathon, Leo, Ruth, Katherine, Laura, Benjamin, David, Jennifer, and Matthew.

Despite the demands of motherhood, Wanda found time to be highly involved as a volunteer with the Hayward Elementary School PTA, Boy Scouts of America, La Leche League, election poll worker, and within the ministry programs of Saint Michael's Catholic Church, where she and Lee were charter members. In retirement, Wanda and Lee worked on camp staff for several summers at the Lewis & Clark Scout Camp near Yankton, where they impacted the lives of countless youth. They also enjoyed the winters they spent in Florida, during which Wanda and Lee were fans of all things Disney! Wanda was an avid gardener who loved to bowl and watch professional baseball on TV. She was inducted as a Sioux Falls Bowling Hall of Fame member. She received many prestigious awards from the Boy Scouts of America, including the Silver Beaver and Saint George Awards of Service.

Wanda is survived by her nine children, Bob (Carol) Heisel of Dell Rapids, SD, Jon (Deb) Heisel of Nemo, SD, Leo (Lynette) Heisel of Abilene, TX, Ruth (Reid) Christopherson of Garretson SD, Laura (Wade) Mosset of Brandon, SD, Benjy (Michelle) Heisel of Sioux Falls, SD, David (Angel) Heisel of Humboldt, SD, Jenny Pals of Sioux Falls, SD, and Matt (Heidi) Heisel of Steilacoom, WA. Wanda is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, with many more yet to come in the years ahead.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Erma Heaps; her sister, Jeanie; half-brother Danny Kalais; her beloved husband of 54 years, Lee; an infant daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Heisel; and a grandson, Scott Heisel.

Visitation with family will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 30th, featuring a liturgical Wake Service starting at 7:00 PM, followed by a recitation of the Rosary. This will be held at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 W 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD57106.

The Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 31st, with lunch to follow at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1600 S Marion Road, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. A private family burial at Woodlawn Cemetery will occur later that day.