Obituary of Mildred Clarice DeLaitsch

Mildred Clarice (Tollefson) DeLaitsch 1930–2017 Owatonna— Mildred (Millie) Clarice DeLaitsch passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Owatonna, MN surrounded by the love of her family and friends . She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jual (Bud) DeLaitsch; brother Lowell (Sara) Tollefson of Preston, MN; her three sons and daughters-in-law Dr. Alan and Mären DeLaitsch of Owatonna, MN, Steven and Mary Jo DeLaitsch of Waseca, MN, and Thomas and Karin DeLaitsch of Ellicott City, MD; seven grandchildren Brian (Cassie) DeLaitsch; Jeff (Emine) DeLaitsch; David DeLaitsch; Andrew DeLaitsch; Maria (John) Carroll; Jacki (Tor) Odden; Jeffrey (Jessy) Werner; and three great-grandchildren Sam and Lucas DeLaitsch and Monica Carroll . Millie was born April 15, 1930 to third generation Norwegian immigrants who farmed in Preston Township, Fillmore County, MN. Millie went from taking winter sleigh rides to Highland Country School to becoming a graduate of St. Olaf College and Fairview Nursing School. She married her college sweetheart, Air Force Lieutenant Jual DeLaitsch on January 17, 1953. Following his years of service in South Carolina, Korea and Texas, they settled in Owatonna, MN where Millie was a surgical nurse at Owatonna General Hospital for 22 years. Throughout her life, Millie was a living angel to all who knew her and cared unconditionally for her family and close friends, including those with whom she played bridge. She had a passion for bird watching, wildflowers, camping, sang in the Trinity Choir for 25 years and played piano, organ and flute in her youth. Highly accomplished at all her endeavors, she managed to perfect the art of baking caramel rolls, pie and cookies - which she graciously shared with family and friends. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial celebration of Millie's life, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue, Owatonna, MN. 55060.