Selma Belz Wackenhut

Selma Belz Wackenhut, 89, died peacefully in her sleep on August 4, 2018 at the Oaks at Hampton in Cumming, GA.

A celebration of her life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Alpharetta, GA on August 19 at 4:00 pm, 10250 Haynes Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022, with Reverend Nancy Christensen of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA officiating.

Selma was born on June 22, 1929 in Freudenthal, Ukraine, a village founded by German settlers. She fondly remembered her life as a child on her familys farm and orchards. As WWII expanded, Selma fled her village, making her way to Germany over the next two years on sleigh and later on foot with her mother and three younger sisters. After settling in Zttlingen, Germany, she worked as a nanny, and later in a large bakery in Stuttgart. She married Guenther Wackenhut and had a son, Bernie, in 1953. After emigrating to the United States in 1957, she had two more children, Raymond in 1958 in Pittsburgh, PA, and Sylvia in 1959 in Rockford, IL. The family moved to Georgia in 1966.

No matter where she lived, Selma had the greenest thumb and spent much of her time in the gardens she tended. She loved her daily walks. She enjoyed playing cards and was an accomplished bridge player. She was a child whisperer and brought great joy to her children and grandchildren, as well as her many friends.

Selma was preceded in death by her husband Guenther. She is survived by her sisters Rita Maier, Dora Thren, Tina Presjnar and Edelinde Kuhne; her children Bernie and Anne-Franoise Wackenhut, Raymond Wackenhut, and Sylvia and Greg Everson; her grandchildren Anne-Claire and Scott Kasten, Sophie and Evan Szymanski, Eloi and Laura Wackenhut, Cleste and William Lambert, Teresa and Thomas Jannett, Rachel Wackenhut, Shannon Wackenhut, Justin Wackenhut, Justin and Annalisa Everson, Heather and David Edmondson; her great-grandchildren Hudson, Easton, and Ellis Szymanski; Jacques, Genevieve and Felix Kasten; Olivia, Aria Wackenhut and Jersey Sitko; Thomas John Jr. and Tinsley Jannett; Zephaniah and Olive Everson; and Owen Edmondson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Oaks at Hampton, where Selma happily lived her last two years, surrounded by a loving staff and many dear friends.

Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.