Mikell Tronstad

A graveside celebration of life will be held at Bonneville Cemetery Saturday, June 14 at 11:00, followed by lunch at the Tavern. We will honor her spirit and share memories of how she made a happy difference in our lives. There will be recorded violin music performed by her daughter Destiny Ann.

Mikell Ann Tronstad was born January 16, 1962 in Baker, Montana and passed away on December 15, 2024. Her birth gave hope during the sad time of sister Kathleen’s illness.

Mikell was a normal ranch child and much of her free time centered around her love of horses, cats, dogs and other animals. She attended Chimney Creek School for her early years of education and later transferred to school in Baker. Initially, this meant riding a bus but as she and her sister Patty obtained their driver’s licenses it meant seeing them zoom down the road in a Chevy Nova. They were probably laughing about something.

During her high school years she was active in rodeos and competed in barrel racing. After high school she attended school in Rapid City and Arizona to learn the profession of being a travel agent. Following this she moved to Texas but spent most of her adult life in South Dakota.

Sadly, along the way drug and alcohol addictions took her down dark roads. Yet through it all she never, ever lost her ability to make people laugh and put people in a “let’s have fun mood.” As one friend said, “She didn’t go to a party. She was the party.”

Mikell had a quick wit, a big smile and a frequent laugh which she shared generously with everyone she met. And those she met and hung around with always had the label “friend.” The things in life she loved deeply include her daughter, Destiny, animals of any sort (her beautiful White Huskies and other dogs, many cats, birds), taking care of plants, and in her younger years keeping her house shiny clean. These are just a few of the ways we remember and celebrate her.

Mikell was predeceased by her parents Jeanette and Harold Tronstad and sister Kathleen. She is survived by her daughter Destiny (Mike) Mermagen, brother John (Clarice) Tronstad and sister Patricia Tronstad (Granger Vinall). She had a multitude of other relatives and friends who cared deeply about her. Among the friends are Lawana Vulk and Robert Morgan.