Memorial services for Steven “Mike” Wantland, 62, Lawrence, will be 4pm to 6pm, Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Smith Center on the campus of Brandon Woods at Alvamar.
Mr. Wantland passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, with his family at his side, after a short fight with lung cancer.
He was born August 12, 1950 in Monett, MO to William Joseph and Helen Lucille Shaffer Wantland.
Mike enjoyed fishing, spending time at the lake with his dogs, and being outdoors. He also enjoyed the 15 years he spent at Brandon Woods at Alvamar getting to know the residents and his co-workers.
He married Linda Kunkle February 4, 2006 in Lawrence. She survives of the home with their faithful dogs Shelby and Buster.
Other survivors include a son, Adam Wantland of Neveda City, CA; sister Phyllis Martin and brother in law Jeff of Lawrence, KS; step sons, Brian, David, and James; grandson, Sirius Wantland of Neveda City, CA; nieces, Kathryn Kimbrell of Irving, TX and Tonia Day of Oklahoma City, OK.
The family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, Grace Hospice, or Lawrence Memorial Hospital 3rd Floor West, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Linda, my heart goes out to you and your family for you loss. I know you loved him so much and he was sooo important to you and your boys.
I will continue to pray for you to draw from your strength and God’s blessings to give you peace.
Sterling remembers Mike from Brandon Woods and sends his condolences. Many from work do also.
You can do this! Hang in there my friend.
Linda,
You are one of the strongest women I have ever met- L.
We are praying for you. May the warmth and friendship of loving friends ,never cease at such a time and may the awesome memories you shared with Mike, always be there to make you smile.
Much love!
I was glad to have Mike as a friend and co-worker when I was at Brandon Woods. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Rest in peace my dear friend.
What a bright spot in our day, big smile,kind word,always there to help when you needed something. He will be missed by all of us.
Mike,
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that he spent alive on earth…
and now only those who loved him
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars….the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile…
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy’s being read
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash.
Till we meet again Mike you will be a star in the sky and always a part of my dash. thank you. love and glad you are pain free.
I was so sorry to hear about his passing. It really struck a cord with me and I have been thinking a lot about him lately, even though we lost touch many years ago. I kind of always felt like he was a 2nd father to me. He was so kind and he listened so well. He will be missed.
i will miss mike helping when needs to be fix handyman all over
like sinks wheelchairs walkers etc he hero to all that knows him
godbless robyn herzog
I never had a brother, but to have a brother-in-law like Mike with his funny grin and sayings were like having a wonderful friend and person to be with but way to short of time to be around
My sweet brother I love you forever and miss you every minute of each day. God bless your sweet heart.
Mike will be missed by so many of the past Brandon Woods Employees. Mike was a hard working man and very caring, he was loved by many and helped anyone with whatever. Mike go rest high on that mountain. May you be a peace now and free from Pain. U are in the Lords hands now.
Love you and will miss you so much,
Debbie D’Armond
BFF, Linda, when I would see you and Michael together I could see how much you and he loved each other. Your love is so strong and real. You were perfect for each other. We are so sorry you have to go on without him. We love you. W E
Mike, Will be deeply missed by my daughter Nicole and I, We worked with Mike at Brandon Woods, LCS. Mike was a good hearted man and would help you do anything. He would even give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. Nicole always refered to Mike as JR. I will miss you Mike I know you are not at Peace. Love ya Debbie
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss! Mike was an awesome guy and I always looked forward to seeing him when I went to work (Brandon Woods). He made my life a little brighter every day!
One of my favorite memories that described the person he was, was when I had to call him late at night on New Year’s several years ago when I locked my keys inside my office. He dutifully came in to let me into my office and was just as kind and friendly as he always. I still think I owe him for that…
My prayers to you and your family during this very difficult times. I hope you’re staying strong and doing well.
Blessings
Wendy
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike at Brandon Woods for several years. Such a nice man. He will be missed.
Linda… My heart breaks for you. You are one of the strongest women I know and remind me so much of my mama. I am so sorry for your loss and please know I will be praying for you. LOVE YOU!
My “Handsome Devil” I will Love and Miss You Always.