The Register-Guard

Lane County, Oregon

February 08, 2023

Wanda Corinne Nichols Brown Sempert Gressel

Wanda Corinne Nichols Brown Sempert Gressel passed away peacefully December 1, 2022 at 98. She was beloved mother/mother-in-law of Carol Cross (deceased) and Russell, Linda Brown Sempert, Steve and Linda Lee Sempert, Mary Sempert Demetrion, and Dan and Maureen Sempert. Wanda was a very proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren whom she loved; Rhonda, Darcy, Michael E, Lisa, Julie, Amelia, Nicholas, Michael W, and Laura. She was great-grandmother to 12 great grandkids. She loved, and was very much loved by Nancy and Randy Hansell and was grandma to their children, Sarah and Josh.

Wanda was born in a farmhouse in Redland, Oregon on May 16, 1924. She went to high school in Myrtle Point, Oregon along with Harry Brown and Bill Sempert. She married Harry, and they had two daughters, Carol, and Linda. Harry died on Iwo Jima during WWII. Later, after the war, she married Bill Sempert who had served in the Marines. They had 3 children, Steve, Mary, and Dan. She was widowed in 1986.

Wanda traveled to Australia to visit Linda, and went on to see New Zealand. It was a travel adventure she genuinely enjoyed. She later married Stan Gressel, a member of Faith Lutheran. They were married for 21 years when Stan passed away in 2013.

Wanda loved volunteering at church, Albertina Kerr, and reading to students in public schools. She was passionate about gardening, created beautiful flower arrangements for church and friends, and was an excellent cook. She was an avid reader and particularly loved historical fiction & light mysteries. She also enjoyed hiking, playing golf, and getting together with friends and family..

Wanda was dearly loved and will always be remembered for her ability to make the best of a situation, and for her kind heart.