Wanda Praznik's Obituary
Wanda Praznik passed away February 27, 2026. Wanda was born February 17, 1956, and spent the bulk of her life in Longview, Texas.
A woman whose strength matched any man, Wanda worked in the maintenance department at Komatsu, where she built a reputation for outworking, outlasting, and outdoing expectations. She carried that same grit into every area of her life. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years and true soul mate, Lyness Praznik (Lenny); her parents, JB and Myra Cost; and the best stray dog anyone ever could have taken in, Curley.
She is survived by her children Melony Rodriguez and husband Joe of Longview, Texas; Mark Cooke and wife Tonya of Russellville, Kentucky; and Reagan Praznik of Tyler, Texas.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Erin Rodriguez; Jordan Bryan; Alyson Berry and husband Patrick; Joseph Rodriguez; Gatlin Cooke; Michael Ford; and Ridge Cooke; and one great-granddaughter, Haven Reign Berry.
Wanda is also survived by her brother, Bennett Cost, along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who proudly gave her the title of Favorite Aunt.
A public viewing will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Rader Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Funeral services will be held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 3:00pm. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park, Longview.
This isn’t your average funeral — be there or be square.
“Our Momma, the Real Wanda Lou”
Wanda Lou wasn’t just Momma — she was the backbone.
She spent seventy years on this earth making sure everyone else was okay before she ever considered herself. If something needed fixing, she fixed it. If someone needed defending, she stepped up. If there was work to be done, she was already halfway finished before anyone else showed up.
She loved her “Biggie Boy” Lenny with a loyalty that doesn’t exist much anymore. Forty-five years of laughter, grit, teamwork, and a humor that kept their home alive. The two of them could trade remarks like seasoned professionals. She knew exactly how to cut her eyes at him, tease him, and then turn around and make sure he had everything he needed. Their banter was constant — playful, sharp, and rooted in deep love. They were equals who balanced strength with wit.
Her kids — Fluffy, Son-Son, and Winker — never had to wonder where they stood. She was the kind of mother who showed love in action. She took care of business. She protected. She provided. She didn’t raise soft children; she raised strong ones.
Her grandbabies — Erin, Spud, Aly Cat, Joseph, G Man, Little Mikey, Fart Sack, and Stinkpot — were her heartbeat. With them, her humor came alive in its own special way. She teased them, joked with them, and kept them on their toes. There was always a smart remark, a playful eye roll, or a perfectly timed one-liner waiting. They knew her strength, but they also knew her laughter. They knew Granny as the steady one and the funny one — the one who could hand out advice and a joke in the same breath.
Wanda Lou didn’t do anything halfway. She worked harder than most, loved deeper than many, and carried more than she ever let on. Even when she was tired, she showed up. Even when things were heavy, she made sure nobody else felt the weight.
She leaves behind a family that is stronger because she built it that way.
And if you knew her — really knew her — then you already understand.
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?
