Elsie A. Wanta, 80

Elsie A. Wanta, age 80, of Shantytown, was called to heaven on December 26, 2020, to be with her husband, Bill.

Elsie was born February 6, 1940, to Nickolas and Ann (Cychosz) Somers in Stevens Point. She attended Bruski School, graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School, UWSP, and Cosmetology school. On February 19, 1966, she married Bill Wanta at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Polonia.

Bill and Elsie were founding members of the Shantytown Snowmobile Club. They were members of the EAA since 1984, and they enjoyed volunteering at the EAA airshow in Oshkosh. They also belonged to The Glacier Ridge Antique Tractor Club.

Elsie began her career as a beautician over 45 years ago, at Belva’s Beauty Shop in Stevens Point. Later, she owned and operated her own business- Elsie’s Beauty Salon, in Shantytown. Her career enabled her to meet and make many life-long friends. Elsie was on the Rosholt School Board for many years. She was also on the Bevent Town Board, the Bevent Zoning Committee, and was a Town of Bevent poll worker for numerous years.

Elsie was a coordinator for Youth for Understanding for 25 years. She placed foreign exchange students from 20 different countries with local families, which she truly enjoyed doing. Her hobbies included canning, gardening, making homemade “sticky buns” for family and friends, as well as watching the Packers and NASCAR. She was thrilled when her driver, Chase Elliot, won the 2020 Championship. What Elsie loved the most, was spending time with her two granddaughters.

Elsie is survived by her three children: Naomi Wanta, Stevens Point; Bill (Amy) Wanta, Stevens Point; Jason (Jake) Wanta, Rosholt. Two granddaughters: Peyton and Sadie Wanta. One brother: Nickolas (Dianne) Somers, Stevens Point; many nieces and nephews, and five exchange students that Bill and Elsie hosted over the years from various countries. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Bill.

A private service will be held at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point. A celebration of Elsie’s life will be held this summer.

The family would like to thank Hatley EMS, the staff at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, and Nick and Dianne Somers for all the help through this difficult time.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.