Wilma H. (Hunzicker) Strantz

Wilma Joann Hunzicker Strantz, 85, a lifelong resident of Washington, IL, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023, with her husband and family by her side. Born at home on January 10, 1938, to Joseph and Clara (Hartter) Hunzicker, she was the oldest of four children raised on the family's farm just south of Washington. On July 5, 1975, she married the love of her life, Lawrence "Larry" Strantz, and together they enjoyed 48 years of marriage. He survives.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; one brother-in-law, Sam Wagner; one sister-in-law, Judy Strantz; and one nephew, John Howarter. Surviving are her three siblings, Harold (Phyllis) Hunzicker of Salem; Marlene Wagner of Washington; and Lyle Hunzicker of Washington; one brother-in-law, Chester "Chet" Strantz of Sun City West, AZ; and 14 nieces and nephews: Kim (James) Heap, Teri Cagle, Gwen Howarter, Bond Wagner, Jana (Greg Wilson) Hunzicker, Jody Hunzicker, Jeff Hunzicker, Sarah (Shaun) Oppe, Selena Armstrong, Michelle (Hank) Koester, Mark (Jennifer) Hunzicker, Amanda Birch, Sue (Don) Fellows, and Kathy (Mike Hatch) Burt; along with dozens of great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Wilma graduated from Pleasant View Grade School in 1952 and from Washington Community High School in 1956. She went on to earn a nursing diploma from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University in Normal in 1959, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Bradley University in 1972, and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Illinois in 1979.

After working for several years as a nurse at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Wilma joined the faculty at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, where she was respected and admired by hundreds of students over the course of her 50-year career as a nurse educator.

In addition to classroom instruction, Wilma supervised students' clinical experiences in the hospital. Her niece Kim, who became a nurse as a result of Wilma's influence, recalls, "I would visit her briefly when I worked at Methodist. She would be instructing and encouraging her students as they were caring for their patients. I even saw Aunt Wilma help patients who were not being cared for by her students because the floor nurses were so busy. Aunt Wilma was a true nurse to her very core; compassionate and always making sure that everyone was taken care of. I wish more people could have seen her at the bedside. She was amazing!"

After retiring from Methodist Hospital in 1993, Wilma continued to teach nursing part-time at Illinois Central College in East Peoria for another 13 years, retiring for good in 2012. Always a professional with high standards, she maintained her nursing license through May 2020.

A lifelong believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wilma was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church in Washington for most of her adult life. Known for her generosity of treasure, time, and talent, she was a volunteer for the Peoria Rescue Mission Women's Pregnancy Center (now called Empower Life Center) and for The Gideons International local ministry for many years. She also served as a camp nurse for Camp Good News in Washington and Camp Careth in Tiskilwa for many summers.

The family would like to thank Apostolic Christian Skylines and Compassus hospice services in Peoria for their loving and skilled care of Wilma during the final months and weeks of her life. Thank you, also, to the many friends, family members, and acquaintances who have inquired, visited, sent cards, and lifted her up in prayer. We rejoice that she is now in Heaven!

Services for Wilma will be held at Grace Bible Church in Washington at noon on Thursday, January 4th. Interim Pastor Len Thebarge will officiate. Visitation will commence two hours prior to the service, from 10:00-11:45 a.m. Wilma will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Bible Church, Apostolic Christian Skylines, Empower Life Center, or The Gideons International.  Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.