Betty Wheeler

Minot

Betty Wheeler, 92, Minot, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in her home.

Betty Ann Wheeler was born to Peter Andrew and Lilah (Benson) Olsen on February 3, 1934. The family farmed in rural Manvel, ND, by Grand Forks. She was raised with a wealth of family surrounding her. When she was nine years old, after her father passed away, a multitude of aunts took on the responsibility of raising her.

After high school, she went to one year of college in Kenosha, WI, and then transferred to the University of North Dakota. While there, she met suave and dapper, Robert A. Wheeler, and married him after earning her degree in Marketing. Robert was a journalist and took a position in Boise, ID. There they welcomed their first daughter, Deborah Ann. The family moved back to Minot, where he became an editor at the Minot Daily News. Pamela Kay was born shortly after that move.

As much as Bob enjoyed his time at the newspaper, they decided his next move would be to the UND School of Law, so back to Grand Forks they went. Betty helped support the family taking a job as the secretary to the University’s president. After Bob’s graduation, they moved back to Minot when he joined the McGee, Van Sickle, Hankla & Backes Law Firm, and soon became a partner.

Betty blossomed during this time. She was active in golf, Mouse River Players, Art Club, P.E.O. Sorority, church, handbell choir, Blue Rider Girls, cross-country skiing, traveling, lefse making, sailing at Lake Sakakawea, helping with organizing the Taube Art Museum, and becoming a second mom to many other children.

Her most enjoyable paid job was working with Bob after he retired. They formed a title search company, unraveling Bakken oilfield mineral rights ownerships.

Her deepest passions were family, cooking, and gardening. She was well known for her gracious hospitality. Whenever people came to visit, there was always room for them at the table, and a bed made available. For years, her flowers and garden were her shining crown, and she loved to share the bounty.

Betty’s love was like glitter. She left an indelible sparkle on everyone and everything she touched.

Surviving her are her daughters, Deborah Wheeler, Tucson, AZ, and Pamela Burkardt, Minot; grandchildren, Blythe Burkardt (Paul Notereschi), Caitlyn Burkardt (Sean Shanahan), Maren (Thomas) Burghardt, and Peter Tashi Hackett; great-grandchildren, Ailyn Burghardt, Bridger Shanahan, and an eagerly anticipated sister to Bridger; sister-cousin, Marilyn Mattson, and dearly loved plethora of cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Lilah; husband, Robert; brothers, Keith and Duane; and son-in-law, Edward Burkardt.

Memorial Service: Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1 pm at the United Congregational Church of Christ, Minot. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed by going to Betty Ann’s web page at www.thompsonlarson.com

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

A private family burial will take place the Cottonwood Farm at the Olsen Family Cemetery in Manvel, ND

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Betty’s honors to Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, 3515 16th St SW, Minot, ND 58701.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 14, 2026.