Mary Ellen L. Midthun, 86, of Eau Claire died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at Syverson Lutheran Home.She was born to Gunder and Lillian (Johnson) Mandt on December 15, 1920, in Madison, WI. She was brought up on the Mandt family farm in Fitchburg, WI and completed her eight years of education in a country school. Mary Ellen was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. \r\nShe graduated from DeForest High School with accomplishments in scholarship and music. After attending Business College in Madison she worked in sales for three years. \r\nDuring World War II, Mary Ellen worked as an Assistant to her Uncle, Dr. Carlton in DeForest.\r\nMary Ellen Mandt and Maynard Midthun met when they were seventeen, and in 1943 became engaged prior to Maynard's departure to Europe with the 28th Infantry Division.\r\nOn October 21, 1945, Mary Ellen Mandt and Maynard Midthun were married at Norway Grove Lutheran Church in DeForest, Wisconsin by Pastor Axel Anderson, Mary's Pastor. They have been married for over 61 years.\r\nMary believed with a passion that it is a love story, because God in Christ knows no other. She knew and showed that it is a love story -- God's love for us, our love for God, and our love for each other. Her theme was, "Love is patient and kind" and that "faith, hope, love, these three abide, but the greatest of these is love". She believed that what the Lord requires of you is "to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God". Mary was truly a gift of God, to her children, her husband, her grandchildren, her family, her friends, and to all people. She spoke of love, but more than that she was love. Her walk with God and each of us brought to all of us hope, joy, kindness, love, hospitality filled with grace, gentleness, and a bountiful benediction. \r\nShe will always be remembered with lasting gratitude by her family and the church families at First Lutheran in Onalaska, WI; Christ the King in Torrance, CA; First Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI; St. Peter's in Mesa, AZ; and St. Phillips in Carmel, CA -- for being one of the most gifted creators with cloth and her being a maker of great gourmet food.\r\nMary co-hosted numerous tours to Europe, to the Holy Land, and to the Orient with her husband, Maynard. Together they attended two different summer school sessions at Canterbury, England. \r\nOur hearts are filled with love and thanks to the servants of God at Sacred Heart Hospital, Syverson Lutheran Home, and the community of compassion. A special thank you to Pastor Amy Odgren and Dr. Sandager.\r\nShe is survived by her husband, Maynard; three children, Darla Midthun of Eau Claire, Gail Solberg of Altoona, and Kevin (Dawn) Midthun of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Mike (Diana) Hillestad of Hawaii, Dana (Greg) Hillestad of Eau Claire, Aaron (Kasey) Midthun of Wauwatosa, WI, Blayne (Kayla) Midthun of Eau Claire, and Jamie Solberg of Altoona; one great grandson, Colin Bruley; sister, Shirley (Lou) Busche of Salem, SC; brother, Robert Mandt of Oregon, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.\r\nPreceding Mary Ellen in death were her parents, Gunder and Lillian Mandt; two sisters, Jean and Betty; and two brothers, Reggie and Donald.

Service Information