Wanda Juniel Cooley

Wanda Juniel Cooley, age 81, of Barrett MN, formerly Alexandria MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at Alomere Health in Alexandria MN. Wanda was born on March 24th, 1945 to Ervin Hoium and Geraline (Johnson) Hoium of Osakis MN.

Wanda was united in marriage to Ronald Robideaux on July 29th, 1961. From that union 4 children were born.

Our Mom enjoyed and taught us kids gardening (a very large garden is remembered), canning, baking (dozens and dozens of cookies at Christmas time), quilting (the two oldest took to this well), needlework and most all her great work ethics. Mom also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Twins. Mom was known to have one, two or even three books being read sometimes, which made us shake our heads, wondering how she could keep the plots straight.

Grandma enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, whether it was teaching them how to make lefse, flat bread, knitting or sewing and she was always willing to rip seams for them. Grandma was always up to “whip” you in a game of 500 Rummy. Grandma made all of the grandchildren’s birthdays special. They would go shopping, pick out their gift and then out to eat at the restaurant of their choice.

Mom enjoyed working in the food service industry. She worked at several different restaurants in the area. At the age of 40, she continued her education to become a Dietary Director, where she could continue her love for cooking. She managed several nursing home kitchens in the Twin Cities area and Alexandria. Mom excelled as a Dietary Director and would often do consulting for other facilities in Minnesota.

Mom was known for her embroidery and her quilting, just look around the chapel and you will see a lot of her work. The grandkids would get a quilt or an Afghan. All of her children and their spouses received a quilt, along with so many dish towels, wash clothes, scrubys and so much more! She would even teach needle work at the fair and the library.

Mom was preceded in death by her Parents, Brother Gene Hoium, Grand Daughter Amber Robideaux, Grandson Tye Massmann.

Surviving Loved ones include her children; Kim (Dave) Massmann, Kae (Mike) Faust, Kris (Mike) Massmann, Ryan Robideaux, 16 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren with three more on the way and 1 Great Great Grandson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Anderson Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Lake Leven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Diabetes Association or donors choice.