Vickie (Van Wechel) Cleveland

Vickie DeAnna Cleveland of Sterling, Alaska died on Friday, September 30, 2016 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska. Vickie was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on November 26, 1957 to Willard and Avis Van Wechel. Vickie was baptized and confirmed in Gran Lutheran Church of Mayville, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm near Mayville. She attended school in Mayville and graduated in 1976. Vickie graduated from North Dakota State University/Moorhead State where she obtained a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. Music was a big part of Vickie’s life. She enjoyed singing in the May-Port School Choir and playing in the band. She was a part of a small music group named the Carpenter’s Tools. This group sang services and programs for area churches. She was chosen as the leader to direct the first grade patriotic program. She loved playing piano, skiing, photography, jewelry and cooking. Her first employment was in Rolla, North Dakota. She later moved to Bismarck, North Dakota to work for the State of North Dakota as a social worker. While in Bismarck, she met and married David Cleveland who was employed by the Bismarck Police Department. They were married on August 18, 1984. After having two stillborn daughters, they worked with an adoption agency to have children. In 1989, they traveled to Colombia, South America where they adopted Brandon, age 4 and Vanessa, age 4 months. In the late 1980’s, Vickie was diagnosed with Hemochromatosis. This is a disorder which affects the liver and causes iron overload. This action is genetic and can damage joints and organs. This disorder led to several surgeries and phlebotomies during her life. To follow their dreams, they moved and settled in Sterling, Alaska in 1991. She enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and all things outside. She watched her children graduate from high school then became a grandmother to four beautiful granddaughters. She was greatly loved and she will be greatly missed. She leaves her husband, David, their children Vanessa and Brandon (Laura) and granddaughters Lela, Haily, Ava and Rilynn. She leaves parents Avis and Willard, brothers Wendel (Ruth) and Lynndel along with numerous relatives and friends. Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM on Sunday, October 9, 2016 with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Monday, October 10, 2016 at Gran Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND. Burial: Will take place in the Gran Cemetery, Mayville, ND.