Wanda Fletcher Obit

WANDA FLETCHER, 85 of Emily, journeyed from this life on Jan. 17, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Her last wish was "Let's hold hands," and we did .... "we'll hold hands again one day." Wanda was born on July 25, 1939. She was the first of four daughters born to Milton "Bud" and Elaine (Gates) Strause. Wanda spent her childhood in Wyoming, CO and Minnesota and graduated from Aitkin High School. Wanda met her future husband, Gilbert "Gus" Fletcher at a 4-H dance in Little Pine Township. They began their marriage of over 67 years in June of 1957 and together they partnered in many businesses, life, and travel adventures. Wanda was a champion harvester of wild rice and loved her time spent picking blueberries at the logging camp in Ely. Wanda drove a school bus and provided homecare for many years. Annual trips to Paul Bunyan Land with her grandkids were always the summer's highlight. Wanda will forever be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit. She always put others first and family meant the world to her. Preceding Wanda in death are her parents; sister, Ardyce Hulbert; brothers-in-law, Michael Hargrave and Clarence LaBorde and infant grandson, Warren Lundquist. Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband, Gus; daughters, Jolienne (Warren) Lundquist and Maria (Bill) Erickson; sons Mark (Deb) Fletcher and Roy (Jody) Fletcher; Grandchildren Ann (Toby) Smith, Molly (Mitch) Swaggert, Misty (Angel) Barril, Melanie Fletcher, Bethany (Bryan) Hassett, Nadia (Fred Barrett) Fletcher, Laurie Yunker, Hannah (Harrison Segero) Fletcher, Joe Fletcher, Cassy (Jamie) Kangas and Billy (Cassie) Erickson and 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Laurel LaBorde and Karyn Hargrave and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to St. Croix Hospice, Baxter and Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth.