Wanda Lee Zihlman

Wanda Lee Zihlman, 90, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2024. Born on January 27, 1934, Wanda was the daughter of Glenn and Marie Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Barbara Arnold. Wanda leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, and she is survived by her husband, Wilfred Andrew Zihlman, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage; their five children and their spouses: Andy and Teena Zihlman, Steve and Jenifer Zihlman, Robyn and Brian Pack, Deborah Zihlman, and Suzanne and Ed Cox. Wanda is also survived by eight cherished grandchildren: Erin, Coleen, Tyson, Caroline, Josh, Courtney, Kurt, and Jessica, as well as 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Wanda was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Oak Cliff. She attended St. Edward’s Catholic High School, where she became a Jesuit cheerleader. It was there that she met Wilfred (Will), the love of her life, with whom she would spend the next 72 years. Wanda’s strong sense of family and dedication to her loved ones was evident throughout her life.

They moved to Richardson, Texas in 1960 & were long time members of St. Paul Catholic Church and School where her children attended. She was an active member with the Women’s Guild and being a homeroom mother & helping with Christmas setups & activities. Though raising five children was a full-time job in itself, Wanda also worked outside of the home, balancing her career with her role as a loving and generous wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was deeply involved in her children’s education and extracurricular activities, supporting their school and sports lives with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm.

Wanda will be remembered for her unwavering love, her gentle spirit, and her dedication to her family. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with kindness, generosity, and compassion.

A celebration of Wanda's life will be held Monday December 23rd at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville Ave., Allen, TX 75002. The Rosary is to begin at 1:00 p.m. with a Mass directly following. The Entombment will be held Tuesday December 24th at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX 75220 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a reception to follow at the home of Caroline and John Reese, 10506 Castlegate Dr. Dallas, TX 75229, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wanda’s name to Hope Story which creates awareness about Down Syndrome. The donation link is HopeStory.org/donation. (This is the organization that Maggie, our great granddaughter, is associated with)

May Wanda rest in peace, forever remembered and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.