Mound - Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith, passed away on April 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 10, 1938, in Greeley, Colorado, to Jacob and Fayma (Martinson) Jung. She was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church, where her lifelong faith took root.

Wanyce spent her early years in Harvey, North Dakota, before moving to Fargo, where she graduated from Fargo High School in 1956. She attended Concordia College from 1956 to 1959 as a Public-School Music major, studying conducting under renowned choral director Paul J. Christiansen. Music was woven into her life from an early age. She began serving as an organist at 15 and later directed the Junior Choir during her college years.

On May 30, 1959, Wanyce married Gaylen Thostenson at the American Lutheran Church in Fargo. They began their life together in Silver Bay, Minnesota, where they were active members of Sychar Lutheran Church. Wanyce served as organist and Senior Choir Director and taught piano and organ lessons in her home for many years.

During their years in Silver Bay, they welcomed their three children and cherished time spent along the shores of Lake Superior. Wanyce was a devoted mother who cared deeply for her family and lived out her faith in her daily life.

In 1969, the family moved to Mound, Minnesota. Wanyce remained active in her church and community, especially at St. John's Lutheran Church, where she held several leadership roles, including full-time organist. She was also well known throughout the area as a peripatetic organist, sharing her musical gifts with many congregations.

Wanyce loved gardening and took pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, with her hosta gardens becoming one of her favorite ways to bring beauty to her home and a bit of joy to those who passed by.

She also enjoyed craftwork and hosted boutiques for several years. In her later years, she spent time knitting baby caps and prayer shawls, quietly supporting others through these handmade gifts.

After many years devoted to music ministry and raising her family, Wanyce returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Mankato State University in 1998. Following Gaylen's retirement in 1993, they also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, including visits to Germany, which she loved dearly, though her heritage was equally tied to Norway.

She remained active in church life, including at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayzata, where she served as a substitute organist and participated in Compassion Circle and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. After more than 60 years of service in music ministry, she retired from her organist duties in 2013.

In 2021, Wanyce and Gaylen became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, where she continued to participate in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and Tuesday Bible study.

Wanyce is survived by her husband, Gaylen of Mound, Minnesota; her children, Mark (Lisa) Thostenson of Mound, Paul (Amy) Thostenson of Dassel, and Wanita Thostenson of Mound; her nine grandchildren, Tyler Thostenson, Teagan (Natasha) Thostenson, Shayna (Dane) Thostenson-Werner, Katarina (Brett) Ziegler-Vandenbussche, Cassie Ziegler, Mikaela Ziegler, Marit (Jase) Witucki, Peder Thostenson, Jordana (Robert) Pickering; and her great-grandchildren, Bennett Pickering, Lillian Pickering, Alvilda Witucki, and Thorin Witucki.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Fayma (Martinson) Jung, and her brother, Keith Jung.

Many people were touched by the quiet strength of her faith and the way she lived it out in her care for others.

She will be remembered for her strong faith, her love of music, her creativity, and her steady love and care for her family and others.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Mayo Cancer Research Institute [CRI] or Ridgeview Hospice.

Memorial service 11AM Saturday May 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 601 East 2nd Street, Waconia, with visitation starting at 10 AM. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Minnetrista.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services

Mound Chapel 952-472-1716

www.huberfunerals.com