Rev. Maynard V. Midthun, 89, of Eau Claire passed from this life to his home in heaven on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on February 4, 1921 in Blanchardville, WI to Carl and Alma (Ankaltrud) Midthun. He was baptized at Perry Lutheran Church and was brought up on a farm near Mt. Horeb. \r\nAfter attending the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, the University of Minnesota, and graduating from St. Olaf College, and Luther Seminary he was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor in 1950, and served in the ministry for 54 years.\r\nMaynard served in the following churches: First Lutheran in Onalaska, Olivet Lutheran in La Crosse, Christ the King Lutheran in Torrance, CA, First Lutheran in Eau Claire, St. Peter's Lutheran in Mesa, AZ, St. Philips in Carmel, CA, Concordia Lutheran in Phoenix, AZ, and Bethlehem Lutheran in Mesa, AZ.\r\nMaynard served on Boards in the national church, districts, and synods involving youth, parish education, and evangelism. For a number of years he served as a Board member and Chaplain for the Christian Living Center in Tempe, AZ and visitation pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran in Mesa, AZ.\r\nMaynard met Mary Ellen Mandt 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, Maynard and Mary were married at Norway Grove Lutheran Church in DeForest, Wisconsin by Pastor Axel Anderson, Mary's Pastor. They were married for over 61 years.\r\nDuring World War II he served as a platoon leader assigned to Company E, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division in the European theater of operations. Maynard was captured by members of the German army on December 17, 1944, while fighting in the Battle of the Bulge near Fouhren, Luxembourg. He was held captive as a prisoner of war for four months while incarcerated at Stalag 4B near the Czechoslovakian border. In January of 1945 to avoid capture by the Russian army which was advancing into his area, Maynard and other prisoners were forced to participate in the infamous German death march, marching 700 miles westward. Allied forces liberated him in April of 1945. \r\nCampaigns and battles he fought in were the Invasion of Normandy, Battle of St. Lo, and Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes-Alsace Campaign). His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, the French Jubilee Medal, and the Luxembourg Croix De Guerre.\r\nReturning to the states Maynard taught R.O.T.C. at the University of Wisconsin in Madison for several months. \r\nPastor Midthun belonged to the V.F.W., D.A.V. East Valley of Ex-Prisoners of War in Mesa, AZ, and Indianhead Chapter of Ex-Prisoners of War in Wisconsin.\r\nHe is survived by his three children, Darla (Dennis Johnson) Midthun of Eau Claire, Gail Solberg of Altoona, and Kevin (Dawn) Midthun of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Mike (Diana) Hillestad of Hawaii, Dana (Greg Kempen) Hillestad of Eau Claire, Aaron (Kasey) Midthun of Wauwatosa, WI, Blayne (Kayla) Midthun of Eau Claire, and Jamie Solberg of Altoona; two great grandsons, Colin and Jonah; his sister, Arlene (Sherman) Lee of Menomonie; and numerous nieces and nephews.\r\nPreceding Maynard in death were his parents, Carl and Alma; his wife, Mary in 2007; and three brothers, Chester, Tenney, and Carlton.\r\nMaynard had a lasting love, abiding gratitude and profound appreciation for his beautiful family for surrounding him at all times with great love, kindness, care and laughter. He named the family "The Midthun Mafia".\r\nThe worship celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire where VFW Post #305 will present military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday until time of services at the church.\r\n Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving his family.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church to help bless little children, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to the donor's choice.\r\nWith loving and thankful hearts his children and grandchildren say:"We do not say goodbye."We say:"We love you.""We thank you.""We will miss you.""WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE MORNING, SOON!!!"

Service Information