"Mike" M. E. Childs

M.E. Childs, “Mike”, formerly of Elmore, passed away on April 26, 2020 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne at the age of 93.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date.  A private, family graveside will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.  Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth is entrusted with arrangements. www.PattonFH.com

Mike was born July 16, 1926 in Jo Daviess Township, Faribault, County Minnesota. Mike enlisted in the 41st infantry division of the army during WWII in December of 1944. After serving his country for nearly two years he received an honorable discharge in 1946. He continued to be active in the Blue Earth VFW.

Mike then began his longtime dream of farming the land which became his way of life for the next 73 years. A farm is more than land and crops-it is a family's heritage and future. Mike taught his family to take good care of the land and in return the land would take good care of you. Mike's greatest joys in life were his daughters and grandchildren. They were his world! He loved family get-togethers, where he would make the most awesome sage dressing and tell of his life adventures. After retiring from farming, Mike had time to fish and camp at Leech Lake and in Canada for many summers. He truly enjoyed the many lake friends he came to treasure for life. Deer hunting was another passion Mike enjoyed, especially in Wyoming for 30 years and later hunting on his own land. He was blessed to have still been able to hunt at 90 years of age. He was a member of the Elmore United Methodist Church.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Melanie Stenzel of Thief River Falls, Denise (Rob) Wolf of Elmore, Marcia (Arnie) Swanson of Elmore and Pamela Childs of Mankato; grandchildren, Jennifer (Steve) Kriel, Kelly Miller, Caleb (Ayrica) Franke, Chelsey (Andy) Larsen, Analicia Swanson and Bailee Swanson; great grandchildren Rylyn Larsen, Rhys Larsen and Sadie Franke; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Scott Stenzel; sister, Ruth Freese; brothers Robert and William Childs and great aunt Gladys Schapkohl.

Memorials may be directed to the Minnesota Veterans Home. 1300 N. Kniss Ave. Luverne, MN 56156

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