Wanda Mae Morgan Hauptman, 92, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away at her home on August 7, 2021. Wanda was born on October 30, 1928, to Nellie Lorena McIntire Morgan and Chester Arthur Morgan in an upstairs apartment on Central Avenue. She had one younger sister, Phyllis Morgan Urwiller.
Wanda graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1946 and moved to Lincoln to attend Lincoln School of Commerce. She worked as a receptionist at a doctor's office, then moved back to Nebraska City and worked at the Patty Cake Bakery where she met Dean Hauptman. Dean would come up every morning to get a donut and a chance to talk with Wanda.The two married on August 8, 1948. After a short while, they moved to Auburn where Dean worked at a refrigeration job.
In 1950 Wanda and Dean moved back to Nebraska City to start a business partnership, D & D Electric and Refrigeration, with Dwight Wilburger. Wanda and Dean, along with Betty and Dwight, were partners for nearly 40 years until Dean's death in 1989. Wanda and Betty were active in the business by managing the books and answering D & D phone calls.
During this entire period, the two families lived and raised their children in homes next door to each other. Wanda and Dean were blessed with three daughters: Pamela, Christine, and Deanna. Betty and Dwight also had three children: Mike, Nancy, and Richard.
Wanda and Dean were true partners in every aspect of their lives together. Running a business and raising their daughters took much of their time, but they also liked to square dance, play cards, host family social events, and be involved with their childrens' activities. Later, they became active grandparents.
An annual summer highlight was the visit from Wanda's sister and brother-in-law who left Michigan for a trip to Nebraska with their four children: Barbara, Robert, Susan, and Kenneth. The cousins all had a great time together.
Wanda was a remarkable card player and played bridge for over 40 years in Nebraska City. After Dean passed away in 1989, Wanda remained in Nebraska City for 17 more years. In 2006, she moved to Lincoln and became a resident of the Chatelaine Independent Senior Living community where she developed many close friendships. Chatelaine became a second family to Wanda. And, of course, she continued to be an active card player.
Wanda was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Christian Church. She was also a member of the Elks Club (Doe), Pioneer Boosters, VFW, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Wanda is survived by two daughters, Pam (Steve) Millnitz of Grand Island and Deanna Bohl of Lincoln; nine grandchildren: Andy (Wendy) Eltiste, James (Jill) Eltiste, Adam Millnitz, Molly (Lloyd Lands) Millnitz, Ryan Dancosse, Julie (Quentin) Johnston, Morgan (Steven) Nebbia, Mallory (Brett) Armstrong, Aaron (Anna) Bohl; 12 great grandchildren: Anna, Grace, Kristin, and Faith Eltiste; Mason and Ayla Eltiste; LJ Millnitz Lands, Brooke (Darrin) Stevenson, Rheanna Johnston, Brynnlei Mae Bohl, Noelle Armstrong, and Joseph Nebbia; sisters-in-law: Mary Hauptman Moore and June Hauptman Novacek; along with many other loving family members and friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Hauptman; a daughter, Christine Dancosse; her parents, Nellie and Art Morgan; her sister, Phyllis Urwiller; her brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Urwiller; her mother-in-law, Alice Hauptman Olson; sisters-in-law, Wanda Sydow and Ramona Goeschel.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, at First Christian Church in Nebraska City. Pastor Kyle Helmink and Pastor Michael Schmidt will officiate. Gude Mortuary is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the family for future donation to a worthy organization.
Due to the Covid threat, the family has chosen to require masking at the service. Masks will be available at the door upon request.
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