On the afternoon of July 22, 2015, Wanda peacefully passed away surrounded by her family. At the time of her passing, Wanda was 86 years old.
Wanda Louise Atkinson Bickle was born in Ekalaka, Montana on December 31, 1928. She was the seventh of eight children born to Charles and Hattie (Bergstrom) Atkinson. She grew up on the family homestead near Ekalaka and attended school there. Life as a homesteader in 1930’s was not an easy one. Her dad died in 1935 and her mother raised eight children on her own. Wanda often said that as a child she was never hungry or cold and always felt loved. Her best stories were of either walking or sharing a horse to ride four miles back and forth to school no matter the season.
She later moved to Baker where she attended high school. It was there that she met Jim Bickle and the two were married on December 21, 1945. They moved to the Bickle Ranch south of Plevna, Montana where they ranched for nearly 60 years. Wanda was the embodiment of a true Montana ranch wife. Even though the work was hard and the reward wasn’t always high, she loved that ranch and the life they made for themselves there. She was fiercely proud of and devoted to her family. Four children, Peggy, John, Carrie and Heidi were born to Wanda and Jim and were all raised on the family ranch.
Besides helping Jim with all of the ranch work, Wanda LOVED to cook. Her specialty was big meals for family, friends and those beloved hunters that visited the ranch each fall. She enjoyed and never skimped on the meals she prepared for each year’s branding. She always had a nice garden and harvested the fruits of her labor with major events of open kettle canning. Wanda was a member/officer of the Fallon Creek Cowbelles and a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Plevna. She enjoyed supporting those organizations with her cooking and baking skills. She also began quilting while a member of the church and enjoyed making quilts and blankets for family and friends over the years.
Wanda and Jim always loved dancing. As they neared retirement, they began to follow the Old Time Fiddlers group and traveled all around Eastern Montana to attend dances with friends. Wanda and Jim moved to Miles City in 2002. Wanda enjoyed being in Miles City and especially being able to spend quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She joined a Bridge club and played once a month. For anyone who knew Wanda, her door was always open, she always had a “bite to eat,” she always had a hug to give and was never shy about telling you, “I love you.” She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. She was the salt of the earth and a gem of a human being with a heart as wide as the Montana sky.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Hattie Atkinson, her siblings Alice Jensen, Ollie Sikorski, Grace Norby, Richard Atkinson, Tom Atkinson, Dorothy Speelmon and Chuck Atkinson.
Wanda is survived by her husband Jim Bickle of Miles City, daughter Peggy (Jim) Hagadone of Plevna, son John (Jan) Bickle of Plevna, daughter Carrie (Sally) Bickle of Walnut Creek, CA ,daughter Heidi (Todd) Yeager of Miles City and sister-in-law Edna Atkinson of Glendive. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Mindi Murnion, Micki Hallgren, Scott Hagadone, Kristin Hagadone, Kaylee Yeager, Ashley Yeager and Bailey Yeager. Wanda is survived by six great-grandchildren (Justin, Jake, Karlee, Brooke, Isabella and Addison) and two great-great grandchildren (Justice and Kembri)
The family wishes to especially thank friends and extended family who so vigilantly visited Mom during the past weeks. She cherished those times. We thank the staff of Friendship Villa for their care of Mom during her short stay with them. We also thank Holy Rosary Hospice for their special care during her last days. It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Dr. Eric Nakakura and the University of California San Francisco hospital staff for their care and compassion for Mom during the summer of 2014. We thank them for the cherished additional time we were given with Mom.
Services will be Wednesday, July 29, at 3 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with internment following at the Custer County Cemetery, Miles City Montana. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Flowers may be sent to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street Miles City, MT 59301. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Custer Co. 4-H Livestock Pavillion.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 29, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Love and prayers to Wanda’s family. I am so honored to have been a part of her life, and to have had the times together that we had.
Dan and Doris Thielen says
John, Peggy, Kerri and Heidi: Thinking of all of you and your families at the loss of your mother.
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
To all of Wanda’s family:
We were saddened to hear of Wanda’s passing. I Angie just saw Peggy in Miles City and heard Wanda wasn’t doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Wanda is much better off now. No more suffering. Angie worked for Wanda one summer in high school, and it was such a wonderful experience. Wanda and family are such a wonderful family. It was such a joy to be a part of their lives.
Bob & Rita (Mulkey) George says
So sorry for your loss, She was such a nice lady. Prayers for you all.
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
To Wanda’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Wanda’s passing. My late parents and Jim and Wanda logged many miles traveling to dances in Montana and Canada. Just think of all the dancing the 4 of them did! The world has lost a wonderful lady and a caring heart. Today we all share in your sorrow and are praying for you at this very difficult time. May God comfort you as only He can.
Bill and Rita Hanley says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of Wanda’s family! What an amazing lady, loved to visit with her and Jimmy. God Bless.
Shirley Rolf says
Heidi and all of your family you are in our thoughts and let us know if we can help with anything.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Heidi and family,
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
JK Kinsey says
Heidi, Carrie, Peggy, John and Jim – Sorry to hear about the loss of Wanda. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of great memories growing up with Wanda and your family.
Tammy (Dexter) Combs says
Jim, Carrie, Heidi and entire Bickle family,
So sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. I hadn’t seen her in many years, but remember her being so young at heart and fun! I know she will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all…..sharing in your sorrow and wishing you all God’s peace.
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
Heidi and family,
Our hearts break for you as you go through the tough transition. Please know that we are praying for you daily, hourly, and that as time goes on the ache in your heart lessens, but the memories last forever.
Love to you all,
Mollie Aaron Robert and Michael
Kimo kinsey says
Jimmy, Johnny, Peggy, Carrie and Heidi I was veru saddened to hear of Wandas passing. I knew her all my life. I have so many warm memories growing up first as neighbors and spending many hours days their at the ranch. Its as though it was just yesterday. Carrie I remember one day you and I with Toby picking crocuses for her in the pasture….I was like 4. I know I cannot console you but know of my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Sheila Atkinson Schwartz says
Uncle Jimmy, Peggy, John, Carrie, and Heidi, so many wonderful memories of our growing up years, time on the farm in Plevna, the trips to Wibaux to fit Carrie’s flower girl dress, and the last time with Aunt Wanda and Uncle Jim, and the walk down memory lane as she recounted to us the day Grandpa Atkinson died, and how Grandma had made sure each of the kids got time to say their final goodbye to their dad. Aunt Wanda was the last link to our dad, and his family and I will cherish her memory for sharing that precious time together. May God grant you His mercy in the days ahead. Our love to you all. Sheila and Arden and family
Joene Patterson says
So sorry to hear. So happy I got to see her the last time I was out to Montana. So very many happy memories and fun times with Wanda. She was the best 2nd Mom anyone could have. I have so many fond memories. She will be missed but her spirit will carry on as she left a piece of her with all of us who were lucky enough to have known her. Rest in Peace dear Wanda. Love to all, Joene
Dale Tribby says
Heidi and Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim and Marilyn May says
It was a pleasure to get to know your mom through “Cowbelles”—what a wonderful woman. May God bless you with many wonderful memories of her and all your family.
Jim and Cora Walsh says
To all of Wanda’s family, may God bless you, and hold you close, give you peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Teal Dobie says
To all of Wanda’s family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know and love Wanda throughout the past few years. What a special special lady. She will be deeply miss but she suffers no more. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and the entire family.
Johnella Lambert says
Jim, Peggy, and Johnny I am so sorry for your loss. Hope it is some comfort to know she is no longer suffering. Is so hard to lose them, but treasure the memories. Thinking of all of you.
Julie LaBree Livengood says
I am sorry to learn of Wanda’s passing away. What a great lady! I have good memories of times I spent visiting with Wanda and Jim. May all of you find comfort in your memories of her. Love and prayers to you.
Caron Collins says
So very sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Seems like yesterday I was over their helping Jim and Wanda shingle there new house.
Ken and Norita Fried Wiman says
Jim and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead. So sorry of the loss of Wanda.
Carmen and DJ Drieling says
Heidi, Jim and Family. Sorry for your loss and Thinking of You. We always enjoyed Wanda’s kind and caring heart, she was a great lady to know. Love to all DJ, Carmen, Misty and Layla
Mary (Ottoy) Snell says
Bickle Family
My thoughts & prayers to you all. Wanda always had a smile on her face and made you feel like you were one of her best friends when you seen her. It’s hard to lose a parent/grandparent, but know they are in God’s hands now! Thinking of you all!
Renee Amann says
Thoughts and prayers for your way Carrie, Sally and entire family!
Rodney and Marilyn Askin says
To all of Wanda’s Family: our Sympathy and Prayers to all of you. Thinking of all of you at this time. Rodney and Marilyn Askin
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Wanda Bickle. I remember how she and Jim would come to Munchies along with all of the other Plevna fans whenever there was a Plevna game in Miles City. Wanda always had a smile on her face and was so pleasant. She just had a warmth about her. We are thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Sacred Heart School says
Heidi, Todd and girls,
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
June & Pete Minow says
Jim and family, We are so sorry for your loss and remember Wanda as a super nice lady. We have good memories of Jim & Wanda with the Redman’s at Fiddlers dances back several years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pete and June Minow
Jan and Mike Lovec says
To all the Bickle family – Keep those good times and memories close. Our thoughts and prayers.