WANDA MAE KAFKA, age 85, of Luverne, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Avera-McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born April 18, 1940, in Mound Township, rural Rock Co., to Hans and Etta (Bruining) Lafrenz. She attended country school Dist. 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, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LaVern in 2012; and two brothers, Jimmie and Maynard Lafrenz.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday, January 16 at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Andrew Palmquist. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.