Mildred "Midge" Macken, 87, of Rochester, beloved wife of David W. Macken, and mother of eight, incredibly lucky children, passed away on July 24 ^th .  The ultimate optimist, Midge could find the silver lining in the darkest storm cloud, and the best in everyone she met.

The daughter of James and Josephine Bernard, Midge was born and raised on a farm outside of Anthon, Iowa, where she developed a passion for the outdoors, and honed her exceptional culinary skills.  From her homemade bread, to her pickles and pies, it was easy to taste the love she tucked into everything she made.

Married on October 1, 1949, at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon, Iowa, Midge and Dave were devoted to one another and their family.

A graduate of Saint Mary's School of Nursing, Midge received the "Most Compassionate Nursing Student" award from Doctor Charlie Mayo.  She later earned her BSN from Saint Teresa's.  Midge was a familiar and cheerful face at Saint Mary's, as a nurse and a volunteer.  Her life was defined by a profound and abiding faith in God, kindness, compassion, and a servant's spirit.  Along with her husband, Dave, she was a founding and active member of Saint Pius X Parish.

Midge embraced life with gratitude, grace and joy.  "We've been blessed," she said, over and over again.  She was right.

Midge is survived by her husband David, her children Kally West, Renee Riede, Kevin Macken, Therese Elish, Angela Macken, Julie Macken, Kris Macken, Michelle Fleury and their spouses, her grandchildren, Jon, Jared, Danielle, Hans, Mikhaila, Anne, Paul, Tim and Elizabeth, her great grandchildren, Lucia and Hailey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Leone, Lucille, Delores, Joan and Jeanette, and her brothers Frank and Wilfred.

Her funeral Mass will be co-celebrated by Father Paul Nelson and Father Charlie Collins, at Saint Pius X Catholic Church on Saturday, August 4 at 10:00AM.  Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Friday, August 3 from 4:00-7:00PM, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Saint Francis, Assisi Heights, Suite 100, 1001 14 ^th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901; or Saint Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12 ^th Avenue NW, Rochester MN 55901.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.