06/09/2026
Did you see this weekend's bulletin? We highlighted a talented Resurrection middle school student who uses her gift for baking to support our parish.
If you missed the feature on Ila Wannemuehler, you can read it below!
When Ila Wannemuehler began helping with dinner at 2 years old, she had no idea where her passion for cooking would lead her.
By 4 years old, she was baking pies and breads with her parents’ help. At 9 years old, she ventured out on her own for the first time. Her parents were outside working. With their blessing, she made a pumpkin bread all by herself.
“I watched videos online and researched recipes before I began,” Ila said. “The bread actually turned out pretty good.”
Now, the 11-year-old rising 7th grader at Resurrection has honed her skills to the point that she bakes and decorates cakes for birthdays, graduation parties, and more, and provides desserts to support events and dinners at our parish.
Her delicious sweet treats can be found at most funeral luncheons, Nut Club dinners, and even at fundraisers for Resurrection.
“Ila is amazing,” our Director of Development, Deb Mitchell, said. “She says yes every time I ask her to make something for a dinner or fundraiser. Her desserts always go fast because they look so pretty, and they taste great.”
Ila said her skills have grown and evolved over the years. She laughs as she thinks back to her earliest desserts. She said she used to put around a cup of sprinkles on everything she made. These days she’s working hard to improve her cake decorating skills.
“Sometimes when I have extra icing leftover, I get a piece of parchment paper and practice different piping techniques,” Ila said.
Her parents joke that they used to help her. Now, they are only in charge of buying supplies, washing the dishes, and cheering her on. Ila does everything else.
Ila most regularly makes cupcakes, little cheesecakes, cakes, and cookies.
“I really like making cakes and cupcakes because I like trying different fillings and flavors that go together,” Ila said.
Her favorite dessert she’s made to date is a snickers cake. Ila said it was delicious.
Ila, who is humble and slow to talk about herself, just smiled when she learned how much the parish enjoys her sweet treats. She loves being able to bake for Resurrection.
“It makes me happy that I can help people and make them happy,” she said.
It’s one of the reasons she was drawn to baking in the first place.
“I like art, so I like that baking allows me to be creative,” Ila said. “And I like to watch people enjoy my food. It makes me happy.”
Ila loves baking so much that she plans to make a career of it. Her goal is to attend culinary school and eventually open her own bakery, where she can spend her days making others happy with beautiful and tasty treats.
Thank you Ila for your gifts to our parish!
