Wanda Earlene Beltz

Aug 14, 1941 -

Nov 13, 2025

Wanda Earlene (Brown) Beltz passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 84. She was born on Aug. 14, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Paul Lawrence and Ruby Gayle (Henry) Brown. Though named Wanda, her family always called her Earlene.

She attended high school in Willow Springs, Mo., where she met the love of her life, Jerry Beltz. After dating through high school, they eloped on Feb. 25, 1959, and soon after graduating, moved to Alaska to begin their life together. They spent seven years in Fairbanks, where three of their four children were born, before settling in Anchorage in 1967. Jerry and Wanda were married for 64 years.

Wanda worked for Oaken Keg Liquor Stores for nearly 40 years, becoming a wine aficionado through classes at UAA and winery trips around the world. She loved traveling to Kauai, Mazatlan and especially back to Missouri to visit her parents and extended family. Her passion for gardening was endless. She had beautiful flower gardens wherever she lived. She retired at 62 to care for Jerry during his cancer battle and to help raise their youngest grandchildren.

Wanda and Jerry were known for hosting legendary gatherings where everyone felt like family. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and despite the busy season at work, she always made it magical for those she loved. Her greatest joy came with the arrival of her grandchildren - 13 in total, 10 boys and two girls, and one infant girl who passed at birth - each one adored beyond measure.

After Jerry retired, they returned to Missouri to her family farm, later relocating to St. George, Utah. The loss of their youngest daughter Pam in 2022 and Jerry's passing in 2023 deeply affected Wanda, and as her health declined, she moved back to Anchorage to be cared for by family.

Wanda lived a full life of adventure, hard work and devotion to family and friends. She was an incredible mother, grandmother and friend - our anchor and the glue that held us together. We take comfort knowing she is reunited with Jerry, Pam and her parents.

She is survived by her children Paula (Mark) Brown, Wanda Seitz and Randy (Gaby) Beltz; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.