To Uncle Dave and the dear Macken family!

My love and hugs go out to each and every one of you. I dearly loved my Aunt "Millie" and always dreamt of visiting all of you in Rochester but never made that dream come true. I really regret that. All my memories exist on the farm in Iowa, which I will treasure forever. Distance divides us but there is nothing that can take those childhood memories away. So sorry to hear of Millie's death, however she was so blessed and you were so blessed to be able to tell her goodbye or say see you later. We had that chance with Dad but not with Mom. We'll have a great reunion some day in heaven. I instantly pictured the smiles on Mom's and Millie's faces when I heard the news. I only imagine them as very happy to see each other! Together forever atlast. Death leaves such sadness for all who miss them, but we have hope and a future to be together forever. May the family bond continue to grow stronger throughout the years. Time for a reunion soon, huh?! We'll celebrate the life of our family members who have passed on.

Love to all,

Lynelle

Dave and Family,

Dave and Midge brought so much joy to me as we shared visits with Renee and Paul in Virginia. Midge, especially was the

"Shining Light" in our visits and I will always remember her as a good friend.

                                              With Love,

                                              Crete

Dear Macken family we wanted to say how sorry we were to learn of Ms. Midge's passing.  My boys loved seeing her at daily Mass at St. Pius when they alter serve.  They always would say that after Mass she would tell them "you did a great job serving." She always had a kind word for our family. I loved when she would say "top of the morning to ya!"  Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

May the Wonderful and Awesome Lord bless you always and may He bring peace to you and your family during this time.

Love,

Jay, Trina, Noah, Yisrael, Jonah and Tziyon Morris

I've known Midge for maybe 25-30 years. She was consistently upbeat and always said kind things about my work. I really appreciated her and her attitude.

Always a smile, always a kind word, always the dance in Midge's eyes. I would call her Mrs. Macken and she would always correct me and ask me to call her Midge. So, Midge,it is with great sadness that I learned of your passing, but with peace and gratitude knowing you are moving onto the life eternal and to be with our Savior. You were with me to weather the storm when I recently lost both my parents and I felt the strength in your words and caring. Now I will be with your family as well, but know you will never go far as you will provide them with the light and wisdom that you imparted to all of us for so many years. I loved and looked forward to seeing you and Dave at the finish line of Angie and my races. You had such kind and convincing words of a job well done. Know that you made a difference in the lives of so many and made our world a better place. You will be missed. Prayers and blessings to the Macken family.

What a privilege is has been to know "Kally's Mom" over the past 20 years.  We first met over the telephone when she called the office to see how Kally was doing, that she wasn't working too hard.  Over the years the occasional calls became such a pleasure... getting the Rochester weather report, hearing about what flowers were in bloom, what special get-togethers they had had with friends, their trips to play golf... Then the pleasure of visiting them in Rochester at their home and to have one of the best pieces of apple pie ever with a great flaky crust (must have been the Iowan in her :)  I miss the phone calls and her happy voice that always brought joy to my day.  What a treasure to have known her.  She will be missed.

Dear Macken Clan: 

I never had the pleasure of meeting dear Midge but I've had the great privilege of knowing and working with  Kris for several years and honestly feel as though I had met her.  Kris has never spoken with anything less than great love and admiration for her parents, and marveled at Midge's enthusiasm for life, her unswerving dedication and committment to her beloved family and faith.  I know the loss you must all feel without your anchor but am certain you will surround each other with the love you had for Midge, and have for one another, and get through the days ahead with the same grace and dignity  displayed by her throughout her remarkable lifetime.  I expect there will be tears but lots of laughter and shared memories of a wonderful life lived and spent in service to others. 

Rest assured Midge's illumined soul is winging its way throughout the Supernal Realm and that her hearts desire of meeting her Beloved will be met.  How fortunate you all are to have such a maidservant of God to call upon and look out for you from the next world! 

While I can't be with you in person to celebrate Midge's life and legacy, I will most certainly be with you in spirit.  With warmest regards and deep affection,

Susan

Julz and Family,

My heart and prayers go out to you all.  As I read your Mother's obituary, I found her to be a wondeful person as I knew she would be, and Julz you are just like her.  I know what you are all going thru as I just lost my Mother in Febuary. I will be praying for you as you go thru the next few days, your memories will keep you strong and be assured that God has welcomed your Mother into Heaven just as she has welcomed so many into her life.

Sincerely, Coleen Koranda 

For the wonderful Macken Family- growing up near your family was a special experience. Your Mom always had an extra tip for me as the paper girl and an extra hug as well. I will miss that unique sparkle she always had in her eyes. My family is blessed to have known her and your family.

Love, Laura Toddie Spading

 Growing up in the late 50's and early 60's on Center Street, just one block from the Macken family I learned what a wonderful Mom  Mrs. Macken was.  Over the years I have run into her at various places while visiting Rochester and she  always had such a welcoming smile.  I am sure that she will be greatly missed in your family, but the memories will last forever.   Marilynn Moehnke Koehler

Our condolences to all family and friends.  Midge was an amazing person.  We loved her very much.  She showed such kindnes and compassion for my father (Frank Yust) over 30 years ago when he went to the Mayo clinic for an infection in his hand which the doctors could not heal.  Midge and Dave became his family and took such loving care of him.  My father was living in Englewood, Florida at the time and was referred to the Mayo Clinic for treatment.  I just can't tell you how blessed we were to have such Angels like Midge and Dave take care of Dad.  He had fond memories of the Mackens. He enjoyed his new friends, who spent many hours comforting him and taking him for a ride in the country.  He was so grateful and just so excited about his trip to Minnesota.

I can only imagine the lives Midge touched.  Always giving and caring for others. Midge made the world a better place. She will always have a special place in our hearts.

God Bless,

The Michael Riede Family

Dear Macken Family

I am sadden to hear the loss of your lovely mother. She was an incrediable lady. I remember as a kid she never raised her voice when we all got into trouble.  Your parents were wonderful to our mom and dad Ernie and Marge from across the street. After dad had died they helped out when needed. I remember calling them and asking to check on mom since she didn't answer the telephone. I have wonderful memories of your whole family I sure enjoyed being part of it. My prayers go out to your family.

Love Marlene Earl (Lidtke)  5133 15th Street SE Rochester, MN  55904  (507)  281-0007

Aunt Midge, what a special lady to me.  Our last visit was 2 yrs ago when we traveled to MN for a nephew's wedding.  As Jim & I approached the house at 1234 1st St there were Midge and Dave sitting on the front step waiting for us with a big welcoming smile.  I will have this memory tucked away forever.  When I think of Midge, I think of Dave, the two were one.  In the scriptures it says: "the two shall become one" and Midge and Dave embodied this. Midge, what a reunion you must be having in Heaven.  You will be missed.  Much love, Anne

I first met Midge at Paul and Renee's wedding.  I was so happy that my son was marrying into such a beautiful family and marrying such a wonderful wife.  Renee and the Macken's have been so inspiring in my life.  The last time I saw Dave and Midge was when they took me and our family to Murray's restaurant in Minneapolis. 

Midge please pray for us all.

Al Riede

We are deeply sorry to learn about the passing of your dear Mother. We pray that God will continue to shower your family with many wonderful blessings today and forever more.

Kalley,   I am sorry for the loss of your Mother.  It seems she had a long, productive life.  Peace to you as you miss her.    Love,   Elaine Tuhy

Dear Macken Family,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.  While I didn't know Midge well, she was incredibly friendly and engaging whenever I saw her during my many years in Rochester.  She always had a bright smile, a sparkle in her eyes and an upbeat comment or thought to share.  I know from having lost both of my parents in recent years what a loss this is, and I am also confident that all of you will find mostly joy and comfort in sharing the countless great memories you have of Midge's wonderful life and the impact she had on your lives. 

Julie, as my classmate and friend I send you special greetings and condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I have so many wonderful memories of your dear wife,Dave, and your Mom, Macken kids,  "Midge" who included all the neighborhood children in her LOVE!  She was a beautiful example of just what a Christian should be.  I can still taste the delicious cookies she provided when we played in your yard, basemant, garage or tree.  And how many of our performances did she attend and enthusiasticly cheer?!  We were all blessed to feel her love.  I am thankful for our last visit at Aunt Lois's birthday party at Cook Park.  I know how much you will all miss her, but our Faith also tells us the Joy she now knows in God's loving care.  I hold all of you in my prayers.  I am very sorry I will not be able to come to give you each a hug and celebrate your Mom's beautiful life.  All the Maloneys will be in Wisconsin celebrating Sharon and Jim's 50th anniversary.  I send my love, Monica   ( One of the 4 Musical Notes)

My dear Mackens,

I am so sad to hear of your loss.  Midge (Mrs. Macken to me!) always made me smile whenever I saw her - she is such a happy, devoted daughter of Christ.  She made such a difference in this world and to everyone she met.  It seemed that no matter when I was visiting home and was at mass, I could count on seeing her (with you Dave). Both of you are special.

Please know that Jim and I will be thinking and praying for you all.

Lynn and Jim Toddie Splittstoesser

Dear Dave, Renee and Family,

Wishing you comfort and caring during this time.  I first met midge at my brother Paul's wedding to Renee.

What a wonderful and loving woman!  May peace come from the beautiful memories your family and friends share.  

God Bless,

Jeanne Lindmar 

I met Midge about 5 years ago at one of the Saint Marys Auxiliary luncheons. She was so welcoming to me, the newbie! She always had a smile on her face whenever I saw her and had such an optimistic outlook. 

About 3 years ago I started attending daily Mass at St. Pius and there was Midge with her wonderful smile and husband Dave. They were always interested in my family and ready to offer up prayers whenever needed. They always seemed to know just the right words to say.

Midge's positive attitude and trademark smile have been an inspiration and a legacy to many. My deepest sympathies go out to Dave and the family.

I read Midge's obituary in the paper.  I grew up in Anthon IA and knew Leone, Frank and Wilfred Bernard.  Wilfred's three or four oldest children were in the same 4-H clubs I was.  Ann and Kay and myself did 4-H demonstrations at county and district fairs. 

From the reading the paper, Midge had a full, and blessed life.  My sympathy to all the family.

I met Midge in December of 1975 when she drove to Denver, CO. for my marriage to her beautiful daughter Renee. Since then, Dave and Midge have spent time with Renee, me and our three children, Danielle, Hans and Mikhaila every inch of the way, from Glenwood Spriings, CO, to Los Gatos, CA., to Keflavik, Iceland, to Virginia Beach and finally to Stafford, VA.

With eight children, nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, I don't know how Midge managed to make all of us feel so special, but I guess extraordinarily, nurturing women, like Midge, can do that.  Not to mention her dear, dear sweet loving husband Dave who continues to tell me time and again he is the luckiest/most fortunate man alive.

We now have another protecting Guardian Angel in heaven who we all can look up to when times are tough. I miis you Midge.

Love...Paul

The cycle of life has taken a beautiful woman with a warm and loving heart and spirit from us.  I personally grew to appreciate who Midge was as I learned about her from my sister-in-law, Renee and family gatherings.  I sincerely feel we know that Midge was at peace when she left us.  Gold bless Midge.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

We will always remember how kind and gracious Midge was to our family when we came to Rochester eighteen years ago for the marriage of Michelle to our son, Chris, at Saint Bridget's Church.  

Peace,

Vera & Leo Fleury of Burlington, Vermont.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with Dave and all of the Macken clan during this difficult time. This world was certainly a better place with Midge in it, but Im guessing the Lord must need some things taken care of up there with him,and so he called her home. As  a young man growing up in Rochester, I to was Blessed to have had Midge in my life, a person I can honestly call my other Mom.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, our thoughts are with all of you,  Rex and Jane Lisk.

Dear family of Midge ....I worked with Midge in the early 70's. Your descriptions of her as the ultimate optimist and seeing the best in everyone she met is right on . Those statements brought me right back to those years we worked together at St. Mary's nursing education dept. My sympathies to you all in your time of loss. Mothers are such a wonderful part of our lives and always leave an empty place when they are gone. God keep you safe and bring you comfort. Your wife and mom was a great lady.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Macken family. My love,thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

 Love, Lou Ann

God's blessings to the whole family.  You have my deepest sympathies.

We were so sorry to hear of Midge's death. You have our deepest sympathies and prayers for you and for Midge. She was a blessing to all who knew her.

My sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your mother.  I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

We are very sorry for your loss. We send our sincerest sympathy.

mike and joanna

 To my wondeful neighbors accross the street,I can't believe that wonderful angel on earth Midge or Mrs. Macken as I knew her  has returned to her home in heaven. Your mother was truely sent from heaven. She was never rattled when the house was full of not only her own kids but then their friends too. She had that beautiful loving smile that just made every thing okay. She and your dad,Dave where always so kind to our parents, Ernie and Marge and helpful when each one passed away. I will always remember her scooting across the street in her flip flops with something delightful she had made. Thanks for sharing your mom with us,she is turely a saint  

Annette Haugen

I was very lucky to work with Midge at St. Marys for many years.  We were across the hall neighbors when I was an asst director and she was in Inservice.  I always remember her great smile and the fact that she was always wearing one.  I had continued to see her at the friends of SMH potlucks and winter gatherings.

I was very sorry to read of her passing and though I will be out of town for her funeral I will keep her and all of you family in my prayers.

Mary Loosbrock

Dave, Kally and all the Macken family,

We are so sorry to hear about Midge's death.  What a beautiful woman she was and what a wonderful legacy she leaves in all of you.  Wishing you comfort and blessings in the days to come.

With love,

Annie Riley and Roy Otto

My deepest sympathies to all.

Bob

As friends of Kevin (son), we offer our sincere condolences to the entire Macken family on the loss of your beloved matriarch.

Jeff and Diane Ellerbusch

Rochester, MN