MORTON – Wanda A. Hirstein, 79, of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Morton, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Health in Lakeland, Florida.

She was born on January 19, 1947, in Lafollette, Tennessee, to Thomas and Frances (Wilburn) Bailey. Wanda married the love of her life, Jack Hirstein, in 1982, in Morton, Illinois.

Surviving are her children, Thomas (Lisa Marie) Minton of Bolixi, Mississippi, Carla (Tony) Waters of Lakeland, Florida and Jeffrey (Jill) Minton of Lakeland, Florida; stepchildren, Michelle (Jeff) Gordon, Chris (Bill) Fuller, Scott (Gina) Hirstein, Herb (Teresa) Hirstein and Heather Hirstein; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; stepdaughter, Carol; and two sisters.

Wanda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria and at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton. She dedicated her career to caring for others with compassion and kindness.

Wanda loved spending time with her family and treasured the moments they shared. In her quiet time, she especially enjoyed reading.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton, with Pastor Marty Ellison officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.