Dennis Funeral Homes

Vera Lorraine Mittelstaedt, age 96 of Waseca died on Monday, November 21, 2011 at Lake Shore Inn in Waseca.

Vera was born on November 5, 1915 in Elysian, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Emma (Stoering) Wetzel.  She attended Elysian elementary school and graduated from Waterville High School as the Salutatorian of her class.  She attended Mankato State Teacher’s College and taught at the Okaman Country School and later in Elysian.

She married Eldor Mittelstaedt June 4, 1941 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elysian.  They lived on the family farm in St. Mary Township in rural Waseca and operated the farm until their retirement in 1979.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca where she served on various committees and taught Sunday School.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years Eldor of Waseca; two children, Lois (Conrad) Fiskness of Chanhassen and Russell (Pat) Mittelstaedt of Brooklyn Park; four grandchildren Jon Fiskness (Amy) of Duluth, Andrew Fiskness (Sue) of Maplewood, Abby Mittelstaedt (Brett Cakerice) of Minneapolis and Max Mittelstaedt (Megan) of Savage; two great grand children Carly and Noah Johnson of Duluth; two step-grandchildren, Brian (Kathy) Halverson and their children Zach and Thomas of White Bear Lake and Andy (Tracy) Halverson and their children Jordon and Taylor of Prescott, WI.  She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Catherine Wetzel of Brooklyn Center and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.  Preceding her in death were her parents Joe and Emma Wetzel, her sister Eleanor Oestreich, and a brother Joseph Wetzel. 

Vera was a loving wife, mother and friend.  Blessed be her memory.      

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Giles Zimmer officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Iosco Township, Waseca County.   Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of services at the church.