Winslow Raymond Janda Jr. (1937-2025)
Winslow Raymond Janda Jr. of Wilson, Kan., passed away on Oct. 4, 2025 at Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehabilitation in Salina, Kan. He was born in Noble Township, Ellsworth County Kansas, to Wenslow and Ruby (Zelenka) Janda on July 14, 1937, on the family farm.
He attended Pleasant Hill Country School through eighth grade and graduated from Wilson High School in 1955, where he had his first welding training through the vocational agriculture program at the school. He was a charter member of the Wilson FFA chapter.
After graduating, he served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard, with six months active training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He then was sent to special training in Army Supply at Fort Chaffee, Ark. He remained a member of the Army National Guard Reserves at the Ellsworth National Guard facility for eight years.
In 1958 he was employed by Macek and Son Implement, Wilson’s John Deere dealer, as a mechanic and parts manager. In 1967 he purchased the OK Repair Shop in Wilson. He attended Salina Area Vo-Tech welding and metal fabrication and opened his business as Janda Repair Service. His expertise with metals is well-known. He constructed the Excelsior Lutheran Church lighted cross and many other ironworks located in the area, in addition to repairing and building for the agriculture community.
On Feb. 27, 1960, Winslow married Lucille Popp, and to this union, two children were born, Kenneth Alan and Audrey Lynne.
Winslow served in several capacities for the City of Wilson. He was the city police judge, justice of the peace, city councilman and a member of the Wilson Economic Development Corporation, Wilson Chamber of Commerce and Wilson Lions Club. He was also a 37-year member of the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department and reserve fireman for many years. For several years, he helped with the Wilson After Harvest Czech Festival, organizing the tractor pull and helping with the threshing demonstrations and the demolition derby. He was a member of Wilson’s American Legion Post #262 and Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he also served on the church council. Winslow enjoyed bowling, fishing, traveling and playing cards with friends and family.
Winslow is survived by his wife Lucille (Popp) Janda, Wilson; son Kenneth (Janice), Norman, Okla.; daughter Audrey Innes, Loveland Colo.; and grandson Nathan (Kayli) Janda, Blanchard, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Chad Garrett; brother Ed Janda; and sisters Mildred Spears and Lucy Vopat.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wilson. Inurnment will follow at Wilson City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department or Wilson American Legion Post #262 and sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences may be sent to www.plumeroverlease.com.