Wanda Louise Pongratz

Wanda Louise Pongratz, 78 of Dover passed away on October 29, 2007 in Union Hospital after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born on September 9, 1929 in Dover, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Madalon Urfer Voelm. She graduated from Dover High School in the class of 1947. She lived in Dover all of her life. On April 16, 1950 she married Edward E. Pongratz and together they had five children. Edward died November 7, 1993.

She had many years of training in the art of cake decorating and operated a cake store from her home. She belonged to the Cookie Cutter Collector�(TM)s Club and taught cake decorating classes for adult education at Kent State Tuscarawas and Buckeye Vocational School. Wanda was a member of St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ in Dover and she volunteered for many organizations including; East School PTA, church bible school, boy scouts, the YMCA, Dover High Music Boosters and Tuscarawas County Philharmonic. She sang in the Morning Chorus and enjoyed playing the piano and trombone. She was also a 4-H member. She had been employed by Montgomery Ward, Snyder Craft Store and Bolek Craft Store. She loved to spend her spare time embroidering and always enjoyed flowers. Above all, her family was most important to her.

Survivors include two daughters, Kay L. Lorson, Nancy A. (Tony) Smith; two sons, Thomas E. (Shonnie) Pongratz and Fred J. Pongratz all of Dover, a brother, John (Rose) Voelm of Dover; a sister, Donna Westlake of New Alexandria, Virginia and Wanda�(TM)s special companion, Doran Immel of Sugarcreek; a brother-in-law, Rudy Pongratz of Dover and 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Her daughter Christina L. Nicholes precedes her in death.

A funeral service in the celebration of Wanda�(TM)s life will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Michael Lowry officiating. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 (Today) at the Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. In keeping with Wanda�(TM)s wishes, cremation will take place. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Wanda may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22038.