Obituary of Virginia Mary Wiklund

Virginia Mary Wiklund passed peacefully into the arms of her Angels on June 4, 2016, in the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Duluth. Virginia was born in Two Harbors, on Jan. 20, 1918, to Einar B. and Hildur Olson. She was the first born of her six siblings, and two step siblings. She grew up in Two Harbors, and married Fredrik Rudolph Wiklund on Oct. 9, 1937. Together they farmed and founded Wiklund's Dairy, which they operated successfully for 20+ years. Virginia and Fred moved to Duluth in 1962, where she had since resided. Virginia, "Mom" could light up a room with her presence and sparkling blue eyes. She was the consummate homemaker to her family, and took great pride in her home and yard. She was a fantastic cook and baker, always setting an elegant table for family and friends. She excelled in gardening and produced beautiful flowers and floral arrangements. She had a wonderful soprano voice and sang in church choirs for many years. She performed for many weddings and funerals in Two Harbors and Duluth. Mom was proud of her Scandinavian heritage. She was fluent in Swedish which she spoke, read, and wrote throughout her life. She took several trips to Sweden to visit relatives and also hosted them at her home in Duluth. She was a lifetime member of the Nortun Chapter of the Sons of Norway in Duluth, and a 54 year member of First Lutheran Church in Duluth. Mom was a beautiful, optimistic, and caring person. She was strong in body and spirit and gave unconditional love to her family. Her grandchildren referred to her as the "Sweetheart Grandma". Mom was content throughout her life and rarely complained. She graced this earth for ninety eight years and four months, and will be lovingly missed by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her step mother, Ruby Olson (Einar E.); her husband, Fred in 1975; five siblings; one step-brother; and her son-in-law, Albert "Buck" Anderson. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Anderson; and son, Timothy F. Wiklund (Michelle); grandchildren, Mark Anderson (Esther), Jordan Wiklund (Rachel), Jared Wiklund (Kari); great-grandchildren, Victoria, Tyler, Shayna, Grace; two additional great-grandchildren to be born yet this year; her brother, Paul Erickson (Irene); and step-sister, Nancy Karl. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Mom resided for nearly six years in Mt. Royal Pines III, and we wish to extend our greatest thanks and appreciation to the staff at Mt. Royal Pines III, for their excellent care and compassion given to Mom. We also extend sincere thanks to the staff at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care over the past few months. VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. celebration of life on Thursday, June 9, 2016 in Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior Street in Duluth. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia's memory may be sent to the American Heart Association, First Lutheran Church in Duluth, or a charity of choice.