Wanda Ann Cherrier

Wanda Cherrier formerly of Pine City, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 in San Diego, California at the age of 74. 

The Cherrier families have been residence’s in the greater Pine City area since the early 1800’s. Wanda was very proud of her French and Chippewa heritage. 

Wanda’s dad, Robert was planning to become a pharmacist, instead he bought a farm prior to her parent’s marriage. Over the years the acreage increased from the original eighty-acre homestead to two hundred acres. The additional acreage included two man-made ponds, several fields and stand of woods. Wanda was a farmer’s daughter and worked with her parents and siblings to support the dairy farm with up to twenty milking cows and raising livestock over the years. 

Wanda’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse with no inside bathroom and no running water. There was one teacher who taught grades one through six. Wanda attended the program Upward Bound, which encourages rural high school youth to pursue higher education through campus living and classes for two summer sessions at the University of Minnesota. Wanda believed in continuing education, taking dozens of adult classes throughout her lifetime. Wanda received her bachelor’s degree in business management in 2006. Wanda was a writer of poetry, short stories and several novels, winning several awards. 

Wanda worked in the medical device industry in Minnesota and California doing corporate audits as a certified regulatory auditor. 

Wanda was an avid reader and loved to scout for the next greatest read in the secondhand shops. 

You could always count on Wanda to send you the latest articles on something she thought could help you or that you were interested in.  She is already missed greatly.

Wanda is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Rob) Olson, Tammy (Scott) Omundson, granddaughter Jessica Omundson, grandson Justin Olson, sister Linda Payton, brother James Cherrier; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Shirley & Robert Cherrier; grandparents Melvin & Lavina Cherrier, Louise & Lulu Clyne; nephew John Patzoldt. 

A graveside service for Wanda took place Friday, July 26th at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Swanson Chapel of Pine City, Minnesota

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com