Mildred Phalen

Mildred Theoline Phalen, 94, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, December 19, 2012, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston. Mildred was born in Glyndon, MN on August 14, 1918, one of eight children of the union of Conrad and Kristine (Andreason) Bakken. Her first years were spent in Glyndon, attending school there through the 4th grade. The family then moved to Warroad, MN, where she completed her schooling, graduating from Warroad High School in 1936. Mildred was employed at Martin's Glass Block, a general store in Warroad, until earning her teaching certificate from the Warroad Normal School on June 1, 1938. She then taught at a country school south of Warroad for 4 years and at Roosevelt, MN for an additional 3 years. On September 20, 1946 Mildred was united in marriage to James Brownlee Phalen at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston. Crookston was home to Mildred and Jim, and where they raised five children: Julianne, Gayle, Jean, William, and Lori. After her children were in school Mildred began working for a year as a pediatric aide at St. Francis Hospital. She then became a teacher's aide at Carmen School for 17 years, followed by 1 year at Washington School before retiring. Very sadly for her, Jim passed away on October 17, 1997, and daughter, Lori, on December 30, 2010. Mildred was a devoted member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, and the Afternoon Guild. She had also enjoyed participating in many bible studies over the years. Mildred dedicated her life to her family, and her faith and humble nature served as the greatest of life's lessons to them all. May God richly bless Mildred's memory. Left to continue their journey through life are her 4 children: Julianne and Ronald Reitmeier of Fisher, MN, Gayle and Jeffrey Weaver of Las Vegas, NV, Jean and David Normandin of East Grand Forks, MN, and William and Helen Phalen of Crookston, MN; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren: Jasen and Lea Reitmeier, and their children, Alex and Emily, Denise and Darrin Anderson and their children, Greta, Isaac and Maggie, Lance and Jennifer Reitmeier and their children, Hayden, Ella, and Malene, Laura and Kevin Pearson, and their children, Lily, Paige, and Luke, Douglas and Nellie Weaver and their children, Matthew and Nathan, Andrew Weaver and his children, Alexander and Sara, Joseph and Yun Kyong Normandin and his stepchildren, Christina and Jon Zahradka, Amy and Ross Paulson and their children, Dane and Connor, James and Katie Normandin and their children, Ashley, Lauren, and Jared, Anna Phalen, Mary Phalen, Ben and Carrie Herberg and their children, Luke, Owen, and Jonah, Adam and Samantha Herberg, and their children, Maura and Dresden, Jacob and Rachel Herberg and their children, Isabelle, Vincent, and Josiah, and Grace Herberg and Lucas Leal, and their children, Avah, Andrew, Isaiah, Olivia, and Elizabeth; as well as, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her husband, James, and daughter, Lori, Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; and 3 sisters and 4 brothers: Augusta (Fred)Schulz, Anna (Gust) Swenson, Esther (Joe) Allard, Nels (Nora) Bakken, Carl (Jenny) Bakken, Adolph (Laura) Bakken, and Ben (Margaret) Bakken. The funeral service in celebration of the life of Mildred Theoline Phalen will be held at 10:30a.m., Saturday, December 22, 2012, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7:00p.m., with a 7:00p.m. prayer service, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, and visitation also at the church for one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. Memorials may be given in Mildred's name to Our Savior's Lutheran Church.



Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, December 21, 2012
Service
Saturday, December 22, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, December 22, 2012