Wilhelmina "Minnie" Margeretha (Schiermann) Saienga

Minnie Saienga died peacefully in her sleep early Monday, November 25, 2002 at her home in Montevideo at the age of 103.

Private funeral services were held.

Wilhelmine Margeretha (Schiermann) Saienga was born November 10, 1899 at Milford, IA the oldest of the four children of Nicholas and Caroline (Benz) Schiermann.  She was baptized June 10, 1900 and confirmed around 1914.  She worked out as a hired girl and was united in marriage with Edward Saienga February 1, 1922 in New Hampton, IA.  She lived on farms at Melvin, IA, O’Neill, NE and Montevideo, MN.  Minnie gave birth to a son all by herself while the doctor was on the way to her and later gave birth to a daughter.  Edward died in 1976 and Minnie moved into Montevideo in 1977.

Minnie was a homemaker, played the piano and electric organ, photographer, sent e-mails, loved to fish, crochet, and sew.  She was a Sunday school teacher, secretary for Ladies Aid, member of homemakers club, early Avon lady, and an avid reader.

She loved all parades, and playing King in the Corner card game.  She was always fair, she paid up the buttons she owed and expected the same, honor is honor.

She was an encourager, having survived cancer twice, pneumonia, broken bones, surgeries and illness.  Courageously she cared for her husband through 3 years of cancer.  She did so much for all of us.

She lived her faith with a keen sense of humor.  Together these last few years we sang Jesus Loves Me every night, she added a good firm Amen and said, “I will be better and stronger tomorrow.”

Great is thy faithfulness – with long life will I satisfy you.  Thank you God.

She is survived by one daughter, Carolyn Rud of Milan, MN; several grand and great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Edward; one son, Raymond Saienga; one son-in-law, Ole N. Rud; two granddaughters: Evelyn Saienga and Ione Elaine Rud; one brother, George Schierman; and two sisters: Anna Nelson and Louise Schierman.