Mildred C. Sigurdson, 95, of Albert Lea, Minn., died on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Mildred Clarine Sigurdson was born on July 22, 1917, in Mansfield Township, the daughter of Cornelius and Mathilda (Olson) Qualey. She grew up in Emmons, Nevis, Northfield, Hayward and Albert Lea. She graduated from high school in Albert Lea, Minn., in 1935. On Dec. 27, 1938, Mildred was united in marriage to Luman B. Sigurdson in Northwood, Iowa. She worked as a waitress and also as a cook for the Albert Lea School District. Mildred considered her family the most important of the many organizations she belonged to. They feel very blessed with her giving tirelessly of her time and teachings to them.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church and also directed the choir at Oakland Lutheran Church. Mildred was quite active in 4H. She started the first 4H club for town children called the Lucky Clover 4H Club. She coached softball for 4H, enjoyed the many fair projects, gardening, bingo, pulling pranks on people, and contests — especially costume contests. She also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and Lawrence Welk. She particularly enjoyed visits with her family and her grandchildren. Her number one pastime was reading her Bible. Mildred’s favorite saying was “I’ll say a prayer for you.”

Survivors include her children Marlys (Paul) Reed, Sandra (Doug Benson) Flim, Judith (Cameron) Hoyle, JoAnne (John) Gold, LuAnn (Charles) Hanson, Steven (Jayne) Sigurdson, John (Pam) Diesman, Russel (Judy) Monson and Bruce Terry; daughter-in-law Shirley Permann; 29 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Bud (Beulah) Sigurdson; sisters-in-law Bonnie Qualey, Betty Qualey and Florence Sigurdson; and many nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lumen; son, Marvin; sister, Irene (Howard) Jorgenson; brothers, Chuck (Volberg) Qualey, Harry (Beulah) Qualey, Spencer (Lorraine) Qualey, Lyle Qualey, Melvin (Donna) Qualey and George Qualey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to the Peace and Power ministry of First Lutheran Church.