Wanda Arlene Nothacker

Wanda Arlene “Cookie” Nothacker, age 90, passed away August 9,2025. Wanda was born in Alma at her Grandma Dast’s house on August 8, 1935, one of five children and the only daughter to the late Raymond and Jessie (Dast) Cook. On December 19, 1987 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City, she married her best friend, James Ray Nothacker, who preceded her in death on July 16, 2019. Wanda graduated from Allen Park High School in 1953 where she had fond memories of twirling baton for her school at Briggs Stadium in Detroit in 1951 and 1952. Wanda was a girl scout from age seven to eighteen, fueling her lifelong drive to learn and serve others. In 1956, Wanda moved to Traverse City where she would reside the rest of her days. Wanda’s work life introduced her to a variety of experiences and people. In 1956-57, she worked the lunch counter at Petertyl’s when it was on the south side of Front Street. Then she ran the office for her former husband, Terry Yagle. Next, she cherished her time as a lunch mom at Norris Elementary before taking on clerical duties in the credit office at Milliken’s. Her longest charge was working in food service at West Junior High, where she retired in 1996. Being a real people person, Wanda loved spending time with the kids. She then went to the new Oleson’s on Long Lake Road where she ran the hot food section of the deli. Wanda was rarely seen without a smile on her face. Retirement brought with it many opportunities to travel, mostly by car and train. Together Wanda and Jim visited all 50 states, an unforgettable Luther tour in Germany in 2010, a trip through the Panama Canal in 2018, and cruising the Hawaiian Islands. When not travelling, Wanda was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Dorcas Society, Ladies Bible Class, serving community meals, and the church pantry. She was a life member of the VFW and AML, and also belonged to the American Legion. She served on the board of the Leelanau County Commission on Aging. For fun, Wanda enjoyed sewing, camping, golfing, and crossword puzzles. Wanda is survived by her children Andrea, Tiffany, Jeff and Jon Nothacker; 29 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Denise) Cook; and her extended family, Gene and Sue Johnson. In addition to her husband and parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her son Eugene Yagle, daughters, Sharon Dunn and Michelle Heinisch; and brothers, James, Eugene, and Frederick Cook. A funeral service in celebration and honor of Wanda’s life will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11 am Trinity Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at a later time at Great Lakes National Cemetery, next to Jim, in Holly, MI. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may choose to do so in Wanda’s honor to the Trinity Lutheran Church Mortgage Fund.

Wanda Arlene Nothacker

August 8, 1935 - August 9, 2025