Wanda Wikstrom

Wanda Louise Mullanix Wikstrom, 91, long time resident of Vancouver, WA died Sunday, August 11, 2013. She was born at home, August 17th, 1921, in Hiawatha, NE to Charles and Lola Mullanix. She was one in a family of six girls and six boys.

Wanda moved out west, to join a sister, where there was more work opportunities for young women. During WWII she worked for the Boiler Makers Union. She met her future husband, Ira A. Wikstrom, while he was on leave from naval duties in the South Pacific. After he was discharged the two were married in Eureka, CA, in 1945. They returned to the Vancouver area in 1947 to establish their permanent home and raise their family.

An ambitious homemaker with a remarkable work ethic, Wanda became an expert seamstress, later working at that profession. Baking, cake decorating, canning, volunteering and supporting family occupied her young married life.

Preparing to return to full time employment, she took courses at Clark College and was soon hired by the state to work in Social and Health Services. Widowed at age 52, Wanda continued to work until her retirement in 1985.

Retirement provided Wanda time to develop her talent with a paint brush. One treasured tradition was family members receiving a beautifully hand painted glass ornament each Christmas. She explored her love of travel, with trips to Asia, Europe, South America and Canada along with many trips throughout the United States.

Wanda became a member of the Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church in 1948 and remained active until her death. She served in many leadership roles, teaching Sunday school, providing sewing expertise in the decorating the sanctuary, chronicling church history and a Stephen’s Ministries care giver and was a member of Hannah Circle. Many of her great friendships were made with her church family.

Education was a major theme of her life, always looking for opportunities to learn. She looked beyond herself to encourage and support education in her family and the community. Wanda established a scholarship memorial at Ira’s death, scholarships for higher education have been provided to students for 40 years.

She continued to enjoy a vibrant social life playing cards, lunches with her retirement group and birthday club, and attending painting classes. She always said “yes” to an invitation to gather or travel. Her sense of humor remained with her through her final days. Wanda’s love and support for her family was unshakeable. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the delights of her life.

Surviving Wanda are son Ira Gail Wikstrom (Nancy); daughter Paula Hardman (David); Grandchildren Eric Wikstrom (Tara), Megan Sicilia (Shawn), Jennifer Nevarez (Frank), Ben Hardman (Nancy); great grandchildren Olivia, Lucas, Kate, and Henry Wikstrom; and Dominic and Abigail Sicilia; Wanda’s sisters Lorna Brown, Lavetta Snyder, Wynona Dewester Springer, Bonnie Mullanix, and Shirley Mullanix; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Wanda is preceded in death by her loving husband of 28 years Ira A. Wikstrom; and her six brothers Beverly, Glenn, Duane, Charles, Doyle, and Jim.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church.

Memorial Service will be at the Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661, August 31, 2013 at 1:00pm