Ethel Middendorf

Ethel A. Middendorf, age 71 of Freeport, died Sunday, May 25, 2008 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Christian Mothers, Goldenaires Senior Citizens, and the Catholic Aid Society will pray at 5 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church.

Ethel A. Middendorf was born January 10, 1937 in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to William and Flora (Ritter) Herzog. She was united in marriage to Conrad L. "Connie" Middendorf on August 2, 1956 at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. The couple farmed near the Little Sauk area and then moved and farmed near the Melrose area. Ethel worked at Jennie-O for a number of years. She was a homemaker and farmed with her husband and children until their retirement in 2000, when they moved to Freeport.She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Christian Mothers, and the Catholic Aid Society. Ethel enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and going to all of the activities at Pine Villa, especially playing BINGO. She also liked going to the casino and playing cards with her friends.

Survivors include her children, Jeffrey (Jackie) Middendorf of Grey Eagle, Daniel Middendorf of Albany, JoAnn (David) Voller of Burtrum, Dennis Middendorf of Melrose, Glen Middendorf of Melrose, and Diane (Allen) Herzog of Freeport; 15 grandchildren; and brothers, Willie Herzog of Grey Eagle and Jim Herzog of Owatonna.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad "Connie" Middendorf on May 25, 2003; daughter, Judy Middendorf in November of 1974; grandson, Eric Middendorf on July 15, 2003; and sisters, Gracie Eveslage, Valeria Gangle, and Betty Boeckermann.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jeff Middendorf, Daniel Middendorf, JoAnn Voller, Dennis Middendorf, Glen Middendorf and Diane Herzog. Cross bearer will be Barbara Moorman.