Wanda Mae Kafka, age 85, of Luverne, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Avera-McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
She was born April 18, 1940, in Mound Township, rural Rock County, to Hans and Etta (Bruining) Lafrenz. She attended country school District 11 in Mound Township and later graduated from Luverne High School.
Wanda married LaVern Kafka on April 5, 1959, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. After their marriage, the couple lived in Luverne. Wanda worked at the Rock County Courthouse as a secretary in the DMV for over thirty years. After she retired in 2009, Wanda devoted her time to her great-grandchildren and her church.
She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, the Ladies Aid; and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed her grandkids and great-grandkids.
Wanda is survived by her two daughters, Cindy (Ken) Deters, Luverne; and Connie Kafka, Luverne; two granddaughters, Cassandra (Michael) Herding and Kiara (Ryan) Heikes; seven great-grandchildren, Skyler, Addisyn, Lillian, Henry, Peter, Charles and Kaydence; and a sister-in-law, Lois Lafrenz, George, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LaVern in 2012; and two brothers, Jimmie and Maynard Lafrenz.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan, 16, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Andrew Palmquist. Burial was in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
