Wanda Harker, 82

Wanda W. Harker, age 82, of Burr Oak, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home in LaGrange, Ind.
She was born June 6, 1935, in Sturgis, Mich., daughter of the late Edward Oliver and Ila M. (Hamilton) Teall.
Wanda was a lifelong Sturgis area resident. On Feb. 16, 1952, she married Edwin Harker in LaGrange, Ind.
She had been employed by the Paramount Furniture Company, Thurston Woods Village the Sherwood Grocery and managed the Shell station all in Sturgis and she was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.
Wanda enjoyed sewing, crocheting, crocheting baby blankets for all new born family members and candy making especially during the holidays. She was a talented cake baker and decorator, everyone knew if you needed a cake for any occasion Wanda was there to fulfill the request. She enjoyed baking and received the most joy when she was able to share with others. Many will miss her cooking especially two of her most famous recipes, turtle and dressing and oxtail soup. Wanda had a true love for animals and seemed to always have time and a place to adopt any abandoned animal from raising litters of raccoons, opossum and squirrels, even having a pet squirrel. Animals were not the only thing she adopted. If someone needed a place to stay or a caring person to listen, young or old, the Harker’s door was always open and all were welcome.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edwin; one daughter, Marilyn Weekly of Sturgis; two sons, Monte Harker of Sturgis and Michael Harker II of Sturgis; seven grandchildren, Gabe (Sarah) Weekly, April Weller, Jeff (Jennifer) Weekly, Shalane (Miguel) Alvarez, Michelle (Jak) Shultz, Manda Perault and Michael Force; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna Hess of Edwardsburg; and many nieces and nephews.
She was proceed in death by her parents; two sons: Miles Harker and Michael Harker; son-in-law: Danny Weekly; four sisters: Helen Boals, Doris Rasler, Edna Boals and Lamoine Sample.
In accordance with Wanda’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. The Rev. Doug Carr will officiate.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Wanda’s memory consider the American Legion Riders, LaGrange Post #215, 100 Industrial Parkway, LaGrange, IN 46761 to help needy and homeless veterans.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.