Mildred Mae Walkinshaw

Mildred Mae “Millie” Walkinshaw, 96, Fargo, ND, was taken by the angels on Thursday, Nov 19, 2020 while staying at the family farm near Argusville, ND with family at her side.  She had been under the care of Hospice of the RRV. 

Mildred was born Dec. 9, 1923 at Sanborn, ND to Thomas and Rose (Sather) Anundson.  Her father died when she was of a young age and the 8 siblings went to the North Dakota Children’s Home where they were split up.  She and her brother Obert spent 3 years with a family in Warwick, ND but then returned to the Children’s Home in Fargo.  She was then taken in by George and Mable Walkinshaw who raised her as loving parents.  In her high school years, the Walkinshaw’s helped Mildred find and reunite with her siblings, and the Anundson clan became very close for a lifetime. 

Mildred graduated from Argusville Public School in 1942.  She then attended Fargo Business College for 9 months.  She worked at the Fargo Airport and was active in the CAP.  When WWII broke out, she went to Milwaukee, WI and stayed with her sister Ruth while working at a defense plant making 90mm tank shells.  When the war ended and her brother Obie returned from the service, she moved to Minneapolis and helped him start a small restaurant. 

She married Warren Walkinshaw on May 18, 1946, after he returned from the service.   With her loving husband of 58 years, they made their home on the family farm near Argusville, and together they started and ran Walkinshaw Aircraft Dusting and Spraying Service from 1946 - 2003.  Besides running the office, she fed and tended to the needs of all the hired hands, raised their three daughters, and sewed every stitch in all the wings and airplanes that Warren built. 

More than anything, Mildred’s life was her family.  She loved her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and her extended family so much.  From activities to special occasions, family was always her top priority.  She was a lifelong member of the Argusville United Church of Christ and a member of the Mission Circle.  Mildred and Warren loved to go dancing and share time with friends at the Fargo Eagle’s Club and she was also a member of the Son’s of Norway.  She enjoyed bowling and the occasional trip to the casino. 

Millie is survived by two daughters, Carol Hildreth of Gardner, ND and Helen (Blaise) O’Connor of Argusville, son-in-law Lynn Larson of Casselton; 7 grandchildren, Bryan Hildreth, Stephanie (Jamie) Bailey, Stacy (Israel) Flores, Ashley (Sean) Wilson, Kristopher (Heidi Seibold) Larson, Lindsy Larson and Meghan O’Connor;  8 great grandchildren, Brenna and Avory Hildreth, Isaiah, Jacob and Fe Flores, Jackson Wilson, Warren Larson and Aubrie Nistler; sister-in-law’s Irene Walkinshaw and Gladys Smith; and many other extended family.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; daughter, Marilyn Larson; son-in-law Craig Hildreth; sister, Angie (Harold) Sorvaag; brother, Everett Walkinshaw and her 7 siblings, Hilda, Obert, Clarence, Ruth, Ralph, Bill and Jackie.

Public Visitation:   Friday, Nov. 27,2020 from 4-7 PM at the West Funeral Home, West Fargo. 

A private family service will be held on Saturday Nov. 28 which can be viewed on the funeral home website beginning after 5 PM.  Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo. 

Memorials are preferred the Argusville UCC Church, Hospice of the RRV or a charity of your choice. 

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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