Mikell Tronstad

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 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 very quick wit, a big smile and a hearty laugh which she shared generously with everyone she met. The things in life she loved deeply included her daughter, Destiny, animals of any sort (her beautiful White Huskies and other dogs, many cats, birds), taking care of plants, keeping her house shiny clean. These are the ways we remember her 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) and sister Patricia (Granger Vinall).

A celebration / service will be planned for late May, early June. We hope you will join us when that is announced. At that time, we would love to honor her spirit as you share memories of her and how she made a happy difference in your lives.