April 4, 1927 – October 13, 2020
Wanda Marie (Uhlman) Arnold passed away October 13, 2020 in Boulder, CO. She was 93.
Born in Emporia, Kansas to Edd and Edith Uhlman, she often reminisced of her humble upbringing in farm country with 5 siblings. She loved to pick sunflowers, go in search of the hen’s fresh laid eggs, and most notably, climb every tree in site to fill her adventurous farm girl spirit.
Wanting to better her life, Wanda left Kansas on her own in 1945, at 18 years old. She moved to Boulder, CO (when rent was $4/week) and remained a resident for 75 years. She spent her whole life, even as a child, selflessly caring for and helping others. She always gave fully of her heart and never expected anything in return. That’s just who she was.
On June 1, 1947, Wanda married V. Eldon “Ed” Arnold in Gold Hill, CO. They were married 48 years until Eldon’s passing in 1995. Together they had a son, Jim, and a daughter, Edie. Wanda enjoyed riding with Ed on their Indian Motorcycle, often meeting up with family and friends for group rides. She looked forward to their family campouts and the long road trips they took each summer in their travel trailer exploring the US. Wanda built up quite the rock collection from these trips, and proudly displayed them in her yard for all to see.
She loved nature, birds, trees, flowers, animals of every kind and had a wonderful green thumb. The farm girl never left Wanda and she was not afraid of hard work… or climbing. Even in her 80’s Wanda was still trying to defiantly sneak up a ladder to sweep snow off of her roof - until that ladder mysteriously disappeared one day. She took pride in keeping a beautiful home and yard, and spoiling us with her great country cooking, baking and preserves.
She found a career working for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator/supervisor from 1952-1966 and then went on to manage The Branding Iron Mobile Home Park (retirement community), along with her husband, for 33 years. She was a dedicated member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Boulder congregation for over 50 years where she made many friends over the years.
Wanda is survived by her children: Jim (Sabrina) Arnold of Boulder, CO, and Edie (Todd) Wedekind of Livermore, CA; her grandchildren: Jason, Kelly (Chris), Nicole (Nathan), Jessie (Zack), and Jillian; her great-grandchildren: Logan, Matthew, and Jordyn; and one sibling: Norman (preceded by siblings: Kenneth, LaVeeda (McFarlan), Robert, and Virgil).
Wanda was a hardworking, humble woman who loved her family above all. Even though we will dearly miss her hugs, smiles, sense of humor, and even her endearing stubborn streak, she will live on forever in the cherished moments filling our hearts and memories.
Due to COVID health and safety considerations, the family has opted to postpone the Memorial service until a later date. The Memorial will take place in Boulder, CO.
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