Mildred Louise Luedtke

Millie passed into her Lord’s awaiting arms on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Mahnomen Nursing Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Mildred (Millie, Mimi) Louise Rousu was born at home in Callaway, MN on Jan 2, 1927, to Ale and Emma (Pellinen) Rousu, the 4^th of their 15 children. She grew up on the family farm with her much loved family making memories that lasted all of her 96 years.

Millie was working at a munitions factory in Minneapolis when she met and married LeRoy Grangruth in 4 days' time. This union was blessed with 6 children and her kids were her life. She prayed and guided her family spiritually (Prov. 22:6), inviting Jesus into our hearts. Millie was 100% Finn, very proud of it, and her SISU showed. She was a very hard working, industrious, trailblazing woman, proven by the fact that she was the first female laborer hired by the Hibbing Taconite Mine. She retired from Hibbing Tac after 15 years of proud service. Millie had a green thumb, she had her house full of beautiful plants, and prolific flower beds and vegetable gardens outside. Millie made and gifted hundreds of jars of homemade pickles, jams, and jellies. She took great pride in creating her “Secret Garden”, an enchanting little garden complete with paths, flowers, statues, and hidden treasures for all of her grandchildren to find. Her Secret Garden Parties were her joy, and to amaze her grandchildren was her delight. Millie was a baker extraordinaire, famous for her homemade bread, apple bars, and apple and blueberry pies, to name a few. Millie loved music, which of course made her dance. It was at a dance that she met her second husband, Donald Luedtke, whom she married in 2000. They were happily married until his passing in 2014. With Donnie’s help, she purchased and learned to play her little accordion, a source of much joy for her. Feeding and watching birds was another passion, as well as berry picking, agate hunting, swinging on her settee, making forts, and giving anything to anyone that they wanted or needed if she was able, “cheerful giver” (Romans 12). Most of all, Millie loved her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We will take comfort in all the precious memories we shared with our beautiful Mom, Grandma G, and Great Grandma.

Millie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children; Donna Comfort, Lee (Mike) Shirilla, Connie (Rod) Lindberg, Gary (Lorie) Grangruth, and Kevin Grangruth, 17 grandchildren, and 19 (20^th on the way) great grandchildren. Millie is also survived by her siblings; Phyllis St Claire, Jeannie Johnson, Claire Hill, Patsy Johnson, Tom (Lee) Rousu, David (Dee) Rousu, Paul (Margie) Rousu, and sisters in law; Sue Rousu and Jenny Rousu. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews as well.

Welcoming her Home into Heaven were her beloved parents, husbands, LeRoy Grangruth, Donald Luedtke, son, Roy Grangruth, grandson Jeremy Grangruth, and siblings; George, Donna (Neil) Wayman, Blanche (John) Niemi, Dan, Charlie, Timothy, infant sister Patsy, and brothers in law; Eldred St Claire, Victor Johnson, Simon Hill, and Jim Johnson.

All family is welcome to attend the graveside service to be held at the Aura Cemetery on The Goat Ranch Road on Wednesday December 13th, at noon, with a celebration of Millie’s life to be held at a later date.  

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information, please visit www.DavidDonehower.com or call (218) 847-4147.