Wanda Ann DuRain, 81, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at Miller Pointe Nursing Home in Mandan ND.

Wanda was born on July 19, 1945, in St. Vincent, Minnesota, the 12th of 13 children born to the late Lorenzo and Margaret (Wills) Martineau. She grew up on the family farm near Pembina, North Dakota, and attended Pembina High School.

Wanda met Alain DuRain in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and the two were married in Missouri in 1970. In 1972, Wanda welcomed her daughter, Kristi, whom she raised in Grand Forks ND.

In the early 1990s, Wanda met the love of her life and soulmate, Arleigh “Bud” Verke. Together, Wanda and Bud built a life filled with many happy memories. They loved traveling to Las Vegas, where they could enjoy one of their favorite pastimes—gambling. They also treasured time at the lake visiting relatives and simply enjoying life together.

Wanda worked for many years in the accounting department at Altru Medical Center. In 2003, she and Bud moved from Grand Forks to Bismarck to be closer to her daughter Kristi, her then-husband Jason, and her grandchildren. After the move, Wanda continued her career at Coventry Health Care. One of Wanda and Bud’s favorite pastimes was watching their grandchildren play hockey. They became familiar faces at the rink, faithfully cheering from the stands and rarely, if ever, missing a game. Watching her grandchildren grow up and being an active part of their lives brought Wanda great joy.

Bud passed away on May 18, 2008. His loss left a tremendous void in Wanda’s life, and she never fully recovered from losing the person she considered her soulmate. Those who loved Wanda find comfort in believing that, after 18 years apart, she and Bud are together once again.

Wanda will be remembered and missed by many, including her daughter, Kristi (Jamie) Schmidt of Bismarck ND; grandchildren, Kenley Anderson (Justin Krehlik), Joren Anderson, Alex Schmidt(Tessa Lee), and Adam Schmidt; and great-granddaughter, Hazel Schmidt, all of Bismarck ND.

She is also survived by her siblings, Bill Martineau, Judy Hove, Joyce Wosick, and Connie Bushaw, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Lorenzo and Margaret Martineau; her beloved partner, Arleigh “Bud” Verke; her brothers, Pete, George, and Richard Martineau; and her sisters, Elmere Kramer, Louise Keney, Faye Quam, Doris Markel and Frances Sather.

A Celebration of Wanda’s Life will be held Saturday, September 19, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Bismarck, North Dakota.

May she finally be at peace, reunited with the love she missed for so many years.