ARMSTRONG — Wanda Ellen Dailey, 83, of Armstrong, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who generously cared for others throughout her life, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer.
A celebration of Wanda’s life was held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville, with Deacon John Rudd officiating. Visitation was held at the chapel before the service.
Wanda was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer.
She was born May 27, 1943, in Baudette, Minnesota, to Andrew and Harriet Coleman Walsh. The youngest child and only daughter in a family that included eight sons, Wanda grew up in Milford and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Milford High School.
Wanda met her future husband after arranging for a ride home from Spencer. Marvin Dailey provided the ride, and Wanda conveniently left her roller skates in his vehicle, giving her a reason to see him again.
Wanda and Marvin were married August 20, 1960, in Fairmont, Minnesota. They initially made their home on a farm southeast of Armstrong before moving into town in 1965.
Armstrong remained their home for 58 years before the couple relocated to Tea, South Dakota.
Wanda and Marvin raised three children. Their son Rick was born in 1962. They later welcomed JoEllen into their family through adoption as an infant in 1970 and adopted Ernie when he was 9 years old in 1978.
Their home also became a welcoming place for children with disabilities from a group home who needed somewhere to spend the holidays when their families could not be present.
Wanda was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Armstrong. She participated in the Altar Society and church circle, taught religious education, prepared meals, served funeral gatherings, helped clean the church and organized events.
Her commitment to service extended throughout the community. Wanda drove people to appointments outside the area and delivered Meals on Wheels to neighbors in need.
Wanda had a gift for making visitors feel comfortable and welcome. Friends and relatives gathered around her kitchen table for conversation, afternoon tea and companionship. After local races, guests knew they could stop by for a plate of nachos.
She enjoyed reading, completing puzzles, taking lunch trips with her friend Bonnie and sharing late-night telephone conversations with her friend Helen. Above all, Wanda cherished time with her family and friends.
Wanda is survived by Marvin, her husband of nearly 66 years; children Rick and Deb Dailey, Ernie and Kim Dailey, and JoEllen and Troy Fitz; grandchildren Eric, Kyle, April and Aaron, Taylor, Anthony, Jennifer, Nichole, Angela, Christian, Hannah, Kenzie, Jarett and Vanessa; and great-grandchildren Annabelle, Kiara and Leilani.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ralph, Robert, Vernon, Kenneth, Roger, Marvin, Darrel and Leland; and grandchildren Marie and Hope.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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