Wanda Leona Blackburn Segner, of Friend, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at Tabitha the Gardens in Crete. She was surrounded by family singing, sharing and praying with her on Sunday afternoon.
Wanda was born July 8, 1930, to Ira and Hattie (Martin) Blackburn in Bayard. Wanda graduated from Bayard High School in 1948. Wanda’s interest has always been working with kids and adults sharing her faith with them. Wanda worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Omaha, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago., Illinois, and an Optometrist office in Denver, Colorado.
She met the love of her life, Matt Segner, Jr., while living with Matt’s cousin in Omaha. They were married Jan. 23, 1965, in Bethany Baptist Church in Omaha, and were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary before Matt’s passing in September 2015. Wanda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She opened their home to many missionaries, friends and family, always with a home-cooked meal. She enjoyed baking pies, cookies with her grandsons and always was there to support her grandkids in their school activities. She volunteered at church with Bible school, Sunday school and taught five-day clubs, always sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she met. During her time at Tabitha the Gardens Crete, she was welcoming, encouraging and kind to all residents, always helping the new residents. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, playing Dominos, Uno, Scrabble and spending time with her family whom she loved deeply.
Throughout the years Wanda was an active member of several community churches, Friend Bible Church, Calvary Bible Church in Henderson, Arbor Drive Church, York, Friend Christian Assembly Church in Friend. She attended the last seven years at Cornerstone Church in Crete.
Wanda is survived by her children, Ruby and Randy Deunk of Cortland, Paul and Deb Segner of Friend. Her “five boys” (grandsons) and families, Jared and Morgan Segner and Kamden, and great-grandbaby Segner arriving April 2023, of Cordova, Brandon and Emily Deunk of Cortland, David and Melissa Segner, Scarlett and Noah of Friend, Aaron Deunk and fiancé Faith Hrnchir of Cortland, and Darren Senger and fiancé Miranda Hornung of Cordova. She was also Grandma Wanda to foreign exchange grandsons, Cameron Fairless (New Zealand) Moritz Imgruth (Switzerland), Paul Mischker (Germany), Max Gschwandtner (Austria), and Joran Teijema (Netherlands) who hold a special piece of her heart. Nieces, nephews, and remaining cousins were a special part of her life.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Matthew John Segner, Jr., brother, Ronald Blackburn; sisters-in-law, Dorelda Blackburn and Glorian Blackburn; sister, Margaret Blackburn Ellis; brother-in-law, Harold Ellis; parents, Ira and Hattie Blackburn; and parents-in-law, Matthew and Annie Segner, Sr.
Special thanks to Tabitha the Gardens staff, HoriSun Hospice staff and special friends at Cornerstone Bible Church for the past seven years, with appreciation of your care during our journey.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lauber Funeral and Cremations Services, Friend, and from 5 to 7 p.m. with the family present at the Friend Christian Assembly Church. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the missions and Christian organizations. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.lauberfh.com.
