Glenda Gayle Wise, age 72 of Prior Lake passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2014. The visitation is Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Michael. There will be a private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
It was a beautiful autumn day on November 15, 1941 when Wendell and Viola (Johnson) Strum celebrated the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Glenda Gayle. She was the second of six children. Glenda grew up and attended school in Nevada, Iowa. She played basketball and was a cheerleader for her high school
After graduation, Glenda hopped on a bus and moved to St. Paul, MN where she worked as a secretary for 3M Corporation. She enjoyed the work, but eventually left 3M and moved to Bloomington, MN. It was at a party in her apartment complex that she met the love of her life, Joe Wise. Glenda and Joe hit it off immediately. They dated for three years and were married on March 6, 1973. They made their home in Prior Lake, MN and were blessed with one son, Brandon.
They were a very active family and spent a lot of time on the water. Glenda enjoyed boating, water skiing and just being on the lake. She also liked snowmobiling and skiing with her family. Glenda and Joe would head west every winter for a ski trip. Some of their favorite spots were Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
Glenda enjoyed working as a secretary. Throughout the years she was employed at Polytech Industries, Vallez Associates and North West Airlines. After a long career, Glenda retired from Northwest Airlines in 2006. After retirement, Glenda had more time to pursue some of her favorite hobbies. She was an avid bowler, a member of a golf league and loved to read. Glenda read hundreds of books over the years. She was a member of St. Michael’s parish in Prior Lake and a member of Prior Lake VFW Post 6208 Auxiliary.
A number of years ago, Glenda was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. She fought hard and was able to beat the cancer, but this was the start of her health decline. She later had two strokes in 2012 and eventually required constant care. She moved into Ebenezer Health Care Center where she received wonderful care from the staff.
In the early morning hours of Friday, October 10, 2014, Glenda joined the angels in Heaven. She was a kind-hearted woman with a great sense of humor and the sweetest smile. Glenda truly was a wonderful woman.
She will be remembered always by her husband of 41 years, Joe Wise; son, Brandon (Angela) Wise; siblings, Stanley (Kathy) Strum, Paul (Paula) Strum; Sue (John) Young. Glenda is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Wendell Strum, Jr., Wanda (Mike) Valline.
The Wise family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
