Ileeta Ian Wellander, age 85, of Soudan, MN, died on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely, MN.  She was born on September 7, 1939, in Rice Lake, WI, the daughter of Kenneth and Christina (Hummer) Thierer.  She grew up in the Milwaukee, WI, area and graduated from high school in 1957.  Ileeta married Paul D. Wellander on October 10, 1960, and the couple moved to Soudan where they resided for 60+ years.  The last 2 ½ months Ileeta resided in Ely at the Boundary Waters Care Center.  She was a dedicated wife and mother and enjoyed cooking for her family.  She was a special grandma who loved her grandchildren very much and took great pleasure in their activities.  For a time, she was employed as a home health care aide and an aide in the local elementary school.  Ileeta attended the Cook Baptist Church.   She enjoyed being active in the church and especially liked helping with Vacation Bible School each summer.  Ileeta's favorite pastime was writing letters to family, friends, and missionaries.  She enjoyed growing flowers and watching the hummingbirds and chickadees at her feeders.

Ileeta is survived by her children:  Dani Wellander of Soudan and Carrie (Randy) Anderson of International Falls, MN; sister: Charlene (Billy) Weber of Rochester, WI; grandchildren:  Christopher Anderson of Palo, MN, Danielle Anderson of International Falls, MN, Aaron Wellander of Hibbing, MN; one great grandchild, one niece, and two nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, brother Norman Thierer, and niece Sherry Marx.

A private family service will be held at the cemetery at a later date.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.  To express condolences online please see:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com