Mildred (Millie) Zeise

Mildred Mary (Lakso) Zeise was born on November 9, 1920 in Crosby, MN; daughter of Charles and Hilda Lakso. Orphaned at age 8, Millie and her brother Roy moved to Deer Creek, MN to the farm of their grandparents, Leander and Laviissa Haapalakso. She graduated from Deer Creek High School and furthered her education at Secretarial School in Minneapolis, MN. After moving to Los Angeles, CA with sister Maybell, she was married and blessed with two children: son Ronald and daughter Jeanne.

Millie later returned to Minnesota and married Harold Zeise on November 27, 1946. They farmed west of Deer Creek until Harold’s death on October 5, 1988. During this time, they raised their children plus many boys who came to live and work on the farm. For Millie and Harold, the coffee pot was on with goodies, always welcoming family and friends to a game of cards.

She was active in her church community and was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, receiving a 60-year service pin. Millie taught Sunday School for many years at the United Methodist Church of Deer Creek. She had many interests, but her greatest passion was painting in acrylic and oil. Millie was a talented artist and shared her talent whenever she could. Her art is enjoyed by many, including other countries. She also was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

Millie entered eternal rest on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Knute Nelson Home Care and Hospice of Alexandria, MN. Preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son Ronald; daughter Carol; sisters: Mae Schneider of Milwaukee, WI; Maybell Hudec of Los Angeles, CA; brother Roy Lakso of Midland, MI; son-in-law: Dwight Hill of Marshall, MN and grandson Jason Ewy of Elk River, MN.

Survived by her daughters: Jeanne Ewy of Deer Creek; Linda Arnesen of Winona, MN; June (Tim) Braith of Delano, MN; sons: Michael (Deb) Zeise of Elizabethtown, PA; Larry (Sabrina) Zeise of Mt. Vernon, WA; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Waskosky of Henning, MN; Gwen Zeise of West Fargo, ND; brother-in-law Gerald (Margaret) Zeise; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Millie was very proud of her 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by many Zeise family, friends, neighbors and church family. Millie was a gentle and kind spirit, who has an ‘old bible’ and knew it well.

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