Mildred Toso

Mildred Anna Stomberg was born September 12, 1921 at home in rural Graceville, MN to Alvin and Ada (Brahee) Stomberg. As a child she attended District 4 Country School. Mildred graduated high school from West Central School of Agriculture at Morris MN. While she was at boarding school, Mildred met the love of her life, Orin Toso. Mildred and Orin were united in marriage at Siloah Lutheran Church near Graceville on August 29, 1943. The couple enjoyed 52 years of marriage. They lived on their farm in Parnell Township, Traverse County, farming for forty-four years, working together and raising their family of seven children. Orin and Mildred retired from farming in 1987, and moved to their country home outside of Alexandria in 1992, thoroughly enjoying their new life style and surrounding community. They became members of First Lutheran Church later that same year. Following Orin?s death in 1996, Mildred established her residence in Alexandria where she lived independently until April 2012, when she moved to the Nelson Gables Assisted Living community in Alexandria. Mildred was a loyal Twins fan, an avid Scrabble player, enjoyed working puzzles and seeing them come together, and solving word games -especially over conversation with family and friends! She also took great pleasure in embroidery, knitting and quilting projects. Mildred loved to cook and bake, ever providing for family and friends. She was especially famous for her roast beef dinners! Mildred was a woman of strong faith. She was baptized and confirmed at Siloah Lutheran Church, where she remained a longtime member of the congregation until she and Orin joined First Lutheran Church after moving to Alexandria. Throughout the years she was an integral participant in church activities, including Women?s Circle and guilds, holding various offices and working together on their labors of love. Mildred thoroughly enjoyed people and getting to know them. Her acceptance of others as they were and naturally acknowledging their gifts and talents, readily endeared herself, building wonderful friendships throughout her life. Her family often heard warm stories about the interesting people she had met and friendships made. Mildred?s family was of utmost importance to her. She provided her family with a wonderful home and through her presence showered her family with unconditional love. Through her strength of character, Mildred modeled patience, generosity, kindness and selfless caring in her interactions with others. She served as her family?s touchstone - as she visited with family members she ensured all were aware of what was happening in her children and grandchildren?s lives. Mildred adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, which was mutual. Each shared a special connection with their Grandmother and knew how she loved them so. On Sunday, November 18, 2012, Mildred passed away at the age of ninety-one years. Mildred is survived by her children: Roger Toso and wife, Linda, of Elbow Lake, MN; Karol Toso of Richfield, MN; Karen Unterseher and husband, James, of Plymouth, MN; Milton Toso and wife, Kristine, of Bloomington, MN; Gregory Toso and wife, Connie, of University Place, WA; Orla Sprengeler and husband, Mark, of Sauk Centre, MN; daughter-in-law, Marie Olness of Lake Shore, MN; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and her sister, Hildur Dyer, of Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her husband: Orin Toso, son: Sherald Toso, an infant daughter: Marilyn Toso, two brothers: Eldor and Adolph Stomberg and two sisters: Charlotte Wiese and Edith Lundborg. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 22, 2012, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. A funeral service was held on Friday, November 23, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Greg Billberg officiating. Interment followed at the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria, MN. Pallbearers were Roger Toso, Milton Toso, Gregory Toso, Jim Unterseher, Mark Sprengeler and Deland Bloch. Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN