Wanda J. McLaughlin

     Wanda J. McLaughlin, 58, of Hanlontown, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

     Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 at Epiphany Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Neil Manternach and the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling as Concelebrants.  Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

     Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Wanda’s name in care of her family.

     Wanda Jean Chizek was born on Nov. 6, 1954 in Mason City, the daughter of Walter and Marceline (Varvel) Chizek, and she was one of nine children.  Wanda attended and graduated from Garner High School amongst the class of 1973.

     On June 27, 1973 Wanda was united in marriage to Daniel Martin McLaughlin in Duncan; this union would be blessed with two daughters, Shawn Lee and Shannon Lynn.

     Throughout the years Wanda worked at Deluxe, Winnebago, and cleaned houses in neighboring communities.  She was very active within St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD Instructor, and administering Communion to the sick.

     Family came first and foremost in Wanda’s life.  She cherished the time spent with her husband, daughters, and grandsons.  Some of her favorite times were spent traveling and vacationing with her family.

     In her free time Wanda enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and bird watching.  She was an excellent cook and always looked forward to hosting the next family gathering which was filled with food, family, and fun.

     Wanda will be remembered for her love of life, unwavering faith, and caring spirit. She was always ready to lend a listening ear or offer a friendly piece of advice in a time of need.

   Those grateful in sharing in her life are her husband, Daniel McLaughlin, Hanlontown; daughters, Shawn Lee (Roungaroun) Phaiboun, Clear Lake, and Shannon Lynn (Franklyn) Ruiz, Fertile; grandsons, Thai and Tucker Phaiboun and Franklyn Jr. and Anthony Ruiz; siblings, David Chizek, Marshalltown, Diane (David) Fenton, Garner, Roger (JoAnne) Chizek, Mason City, Catherine (Kevin) Foley, Coralville, Ruth E. Fisher, Havelock, N.C., Joseph (Laurie) Chizek, Round Rock, Texas, Paul (Becky) Chizek, Clear Lake, and Dennis Chizek, Garner; sister-in-laws, Pat (Lyle) Boehmer, Mary (Bob) Paulus, Vonnie McLaughlin, and Victoria Paulus; brother-in-laws, Mike McLaughlin and Robert McLaughlin; a special niece, Renae Foley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

     She is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brother-in-law, John McLaughlin; great-aunt, Lois Caldwell; and nephews, Benny Fenton, Cory Russell, and Dylan Johnson.

     Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.