Wanda B. Mikkelson, 84, Minot, formerly of the Ruso and Kongsberg area, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in a Minot nursing care center.

Wanda was born January 12, 1925 at Greene, ND, the daughter of Eddie and Elsie (Hochsprung) Iverson. She was raised on the family farm near Ruso, where she attended country schools and graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1942. Upon completion of high school, she was drafted into teaching school and taught at rural schools near Ruso. She then married Edward Stadler on April 29, 1944 at Kongsberg.They made their home near Ruso for nineteen years, until Edward died in 1963.

She returned to Minot State College and received a teaching degree in Elementary Education and later received her Master's degree at the University of ND. She subsequently taught at Rugby, Minnesota, and Denver, before moving to Minot, where she was employed with the Minot Public Schools for more than twenty years before retiring in 1986. She was married to Arthur Mikkelson on November 16, 1974 at Minot. They made their home in Minot throughout the years. Arthur died April 4, 2002. Wanda was recently a resident of Brentmoor Assisted Living.

Wanda was a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Kongsberg and was active with the LWML there until moving to Minot. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot and the Women of the Moose, Minot. She was a longtime member of the ND Education Association, Minot Education Association, Retired Teachers Association and was instrumental in establishing the RUN program for remedial reading students.

Wanda enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, knitting and painting Ukrainian eggs. Wanda also enjoyed the many breakfasts with her retired teachers. She remained strong in her battle with arthritis for the past twenty-five years. She always fought through the pain with a smile and positive attitude during these difficult years.

She is survived by her children: Jill (Kent) Hanson, Des Lacs, ND, Donna Williams, Cheyenne, Wyo, Randi Halvorson, Minot, ND; step-children: Arlene (Merrill) Schalow, Fargo, Richard (Kay) Mikkelson, Ruso, ND and Keith Mikkelson, Federal Way, WA; step-daughter-in-law: Carol Croft, Oregon City, OR; aunt: Adeline Smith, Cedar Creek, TX; grandchildren: Jeremy Brockey, Lori Olson, Kimi Jo Adcock, Jade, Laci and Kami Hanson, Jenifer Esile, Kari Narvell, Cristine and James Ringsaker, Kacey Quinata, Ron and Bill Schalow, Susan Gorr, Penny Schmidt, Shirley Campbell, Randy and Michael Berland, Lynn Dee Bowers, Candace Schneider, DeAnn Truong, Glenn and Todd DeHart, Lewis Mikkelson, Clayton Landen, and Danielle Baker; forty-six great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Edward and Arthur; daughter, LaVon Brockey, sister, Audrey Kelley, step-son, Donald Mikkelson, step-daughter, Dorothy DeHart, granddaughter, Peggy Kesler, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral service : Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Friday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church or organization of the donor's choice.