Funeral services for Wanda J. Parent, 64, of Chamberlain, SD will be 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026 at River Hills Fellowship in Chamberlain. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at River Hills Fellowship.

Wanda Parent was born on October 9, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Wallace and Darlene (Nodskov) Norman. As her family lovingly says, “A legend was born.”

In 1970, Wanda moved with her family to Chamberlain, South Dakota, where she grew up and later graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1980. Wanda was employed for 26 years as a purchasing clerk with the U.S. Corps of Engineers at the Big Bend Damn project.

In 1982, Wanda married Clyde Gilman Sr. To this union, two children were born: Clyde Gilman Jr. and Karen Gilman (John Thompson).

In 1992, Wanda married Thomas “Tom” Parent. Through this marriage, Wanda welcomed Tom’s children—Racheal (Adam) Grufman, Nicholas (Amanda) Parent, and Alicia (Derrick) Schmitt—into her heart and home. In 1989, Wanda and Tom were blessed with a child together, Kerry Waugh.

Of all the roles Wanda held throughout her life, her most treasured were Mom, Grandma, and Great‑Grandma.

As her family grew, Wanda was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Kori, Madison, Anthony, Conner, Kaitlyn, Natalie, Jaycee, Benjamin, Landon, Hudson, Syllis, and Riddick. She cherished each of them deeply and held close the special memories she created with every grandchild.

More recently, Wanda’s joy grew by another generation when she became a proud great‑grandmother to Ren. First Mom, then Grandma, and now Great‑Grandma—her family was truly one of the greatest joys of her life.

Wanda enjoyed the simple things that made life meaningful. She loved visiting with family and friends, bowling, and crafting. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by the people she cared about. Whether it was a family gathering, a conversation with a friend, or simply spending time together, those moments meant the most to her.

One of Wanda’s heartfelt wishes was to attend a Journey concert, a band she had loved for many years. On April 6, 2026, she was able to fulfill that wish, enjoying an unforgettable night of music alongside her sister Char.

Wanda was diagnosed with ALS in January 2026. She faced her journey with strength, grace, and the unwavering support of her family, along with exceptional care from the Sanford Care Center. Wanda passed away on August 25, 2026, at Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 64, with her family by her side.

Wanda is lovingly remembered by her six children, eleven grandchildren, one great‑grandchild, her siblings Char Brownell and Sandra McLeod, and many extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom, and her grandson Benny.

Wanda leaves behind a beautiful legacy—one built on love, laughter, and the countless memories she created with those she held dear. Her impact will continue to live on through each generation of her family.

Wanda will be deeply missed, but the stories, the laughter, the memories, and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.