Mildred E. “Millie” Ethun, age 96, of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family May 9, 2024, at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Mildred Emma Doege was born Dec. 25, 1927, in Sauk Centre, to Paul and Coletta (Miller) Doege. She was united in marriage to Kenneth “Kenny” Ethun Nov. 22, 1947, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Millie and Kenny lived in Bloomington until 1976, and during that time, Millie was employed as a school cook in Bloomington for 12 years. The couple then owned and operated a resort on Lake Ida in Alexandria for 10 years. In May 1999, the couple moved back home to Sauk Centre.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Millie enjoyed gardening, especially when it came to her flower gardens. Millie’s passion was helping people and bringing a smile to their faces. She volunteered at the nursing home for over 10 years and brought joy to wherever she went. Her smile would light up the room.
Survivors include her four children, Denny Ethun of Bloomington, Donny (Jody) Ethun of Avon Park, Florida, Dean (Sharon) Ethun of Springdale, Washington, and Cheryl “Dee Dee” (Mark) Wilke of Becker; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and sister, Ione Dickhaus of Apple Valley.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Ethun on July 21, 2005; parents; great-grandson, Brady John Schmitz; sister, Annella Blaski; and brothers, Vernon Doege, Paul “Spike” Doege and Donald “Pete” Doege.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Cura of Sauk Centre Care Center.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
