Mildred Angeline Gurwell was born to Fern and Paul Ferguson on Nov. 29, 1914, in Liberty Center, Iowa. She was the eldest of three children. After high school she completed business school and held several bookkeeping jobs.

She married James Edgar Gurwell on March 18, 1939, and they raised four daughters in Albert Lea, Janet, Barbara, Patricia and Joan. Mildred was a busy mother, baking, sewing and gardening. She worked for 15 years at the Albert Lea Senior High School as secretary to the principal. She loved her job and co-workers and treasured her time with the students. She and the family were active in the United Methodist Church.

After Jim died in 1987, Mildred remained in Albert Lea where she enjoyed spending time with her many friends, playing bridge, supporting and attending cultural events, volunteering at the Albert Lea hospital and working with her church circle. She enjoyed trips abroad as well as traveling to Colorado, California, Montana and Wisconsin to see her daughters and their families. She was a proud and loving mother who very much enjoyed life.

She is survived by Janet (Drew) Mallory of Littleton, Colo., and their children Mark (Nancy), Becky (Bobby) Walker and Julie; Barbara Carrigg of Orinda, Calif., and her sons Chris (Christina) and Mike (Erin); Patricia (Bob) Torgerson of Missoula, Mont., and their children Paige (Don), Courtney (Trevor) and Lindsey; and Joan (Bob) Bartingale of Green Bay, Wis., and their children Ryan, Paul and Laura. She had eight great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Paul and sister Helen.

We will always remember and treasure her strength of character, her friendly nature, her guidance and her love. We could always count on her and we are better because of her.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 702 S. Highway 69, Albert Lea, MN 56007 at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Memorial contributions to honor Mildred Gurwell may be made to the United Methodist Church.