Winslow Raymond Janda, Jr.

Winslow Raymond Janda Jr., of Wilson, Kansas, passed away on October 4, 2025 at Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehabilitation in Salina, Kansas. 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 8th 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 US 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, AR. 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 Lighted Cross and many other iron works located in the area in addition to repairing and building for the agriculture community.

On February 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, Wilson Lions Club. He was also a 37-year member of the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department and reserve firemen 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 is a member of Wilson’s American Legion Post #262. He is a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church where he also served on the church council. Winslow enjoyed bowling, fishing, travelling, and playing cards with friends and family.

Winslow is survived by his wife, Lucille (Popp) Janda, of Wilson, KS; son, Kenneth (Janice) Norman OK; daughter, Audrey Innes, Loveland CO; grandson, Nathan (Kayli) Janda, Blanchard, OK.

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, October 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson. Inurnment will follow at Wilson City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his name to Wilson Volunteer Fire Department, or Wilson American Legion Post #262 and sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.