Christa Wanda Wandtke

With bittersweet emotions, we announce the passing of Christa Wanda Kranz Wandtke, on Feb 22nd, 2025 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's. She was 87 years of age. She was and is a beloved and elect daughter of God who lived her life devoted to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Christa’s love was unwavering—for her husband Gert, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone blessed to know her. She was a true friend to all, living out her motto, “To Stand a Little Taller,” inspired by Gordon B. Hinckley. Christa’s warm and loving personality endeared her to everyone she met.

Born in Potsdam, East Germany, on April 9, 1937, Christa was the middle child of Rosalie Baade and Georg Hugo Kranz. Her childhood was shaped by the struggles of WWII and the hardships of post-war life. Through it all she remained a virtuous, resilient disciple of Jesus Christ.

Christa met her future husband, Gert Wandtke, (who was the Branch/District President in Brandenburg, Germany) when she inquired about serving a mission. Dad was immediately struck by her charm, faith, and beauty and so her mission became being a wife and mother marrying Gert Wandtke on September 21, 1957. Together, they had two children in East Germany. After enduring great adversity, and with divine providence, they bravely escaped to West Germany in 1960. In 1961, while pregnant with their third child, they immigrated to Utah, seeking greater opportunities and faith-filled possibilities for their growing family. Throughout their journey, Christa and Gert endured hardship and discrimination as German immigrants, yet they faced each trial with unwavering hope and faith in their Savior Jesus Christ, even in the depths of their uttermost sorrows they pressed forward:

Christa continually testified of her faith in the Savior. She had a beautiful voice and dreamed of singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but the demands of family and life kept her from that pursuit. Still, she led music in church, sang in various choirs, and continued voice lessons whenever possible. After losing her beloved husband in 2003, Christa was devastated but found strength in serving a two-year mission in Germany, followed by service in the Salt Lake Temple until its announced renovation:

Unfortunately, dementia and Alzheimer's took a toll on Christa's mind, but she fought valiantly to maintain her independence. In July of 2024, she moved to Valencia Care Center, where she faced her new reality with strength and courage. Despite her struggles, Christa’s heart remained strong, indicative of her fearless resolve in all things: She surprised everyone with her will to live. Her devotion, resilience, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on her family and all who came to know her.

Christa is survived by her six children, Birgit (Andrew), Christiane, Gerno (Connie), Bert (Audrey), DeEtte Ealy, Suzanne (David), 22 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gert; her brother, Georg; her son-in-law Daniel Ealy, her parents; and many other relatives.

We love you, Mom and Oma, more than words can adequately express. You have left a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will never be forgotten, or taken for granted:

A special thank you to Margarita and the staff at Valencia Care Center, as well as the caring team at Renew Hospice—especially Liz, Parisa, and others—who treated Christa with tenderness and compassion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery.