Obituary for ​Wilma “Mae” House

Age 100, passed away peacefully at The Willows of Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, on February 13, 2022. She was born November 21, 1921, in Milo Township, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota to William and Mabel Gesch, enjoying farm life with close-knit siblings Evelyn, Leona and Harold “Bud.” Mae was proud of her farm upbringing during the Depression, admitting that the family did not have much money but always an abundance of homegrown food. The family resided near Princeton, MN, where Mae attended school and later earned a certificate to teach in a rural country school. World War II prompted Mae to move to “the Cities” with other young friends to work in a defense plant until the war ended. Following the war, Mae joined in marriage with WWII Army veteran, Jim House, on November 16, 1945. They remained by each other’s side for 67 years of marriage, settling in Brooklyn Park and later at Realife Cooperative of Osseo. Both were deeply rooted in their community and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Osseo, were avid volunteers, honored as Senior Royalty for Brooklyn Park’s Tater Daze parade, and fans of the Osseo American Legion Friday Steak Fry.

After keeping busy with her home, children and large garden, Mae returned to the workforce as office manager for the very first Brooklyn Park Police Department and then to Osseo District 279 in the district business office. She worked there until retirement, with many years still ahead to enjoy traveling, card parties, coffee with friends, and her deep love for family. Mae and Jim cherished their time at the Spencer Brook Township family farm where Jim was born, which they returned to native Minnesota-planting hundreds of trees, prairie grasses, and grooming trails to walk or enjoy side by side on their utility vehicle. They took special joy in hosting family farm picnics, and it became a place of great memories, especially for the grandchildren. She will be remembered for her strong convictions, positive outlook, and warm smile. She loved to talk about politics, read her daily newspaper, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing time with young people. Grandma Mae made her grandchildren a high priority and they sought out her wisdom and enjoyed her company immensely.

Mae describes her love of God and family as “Blessed.” Mae is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents and siblings. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Kathy House, daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Jim Kraft. Blessed grandchildren Elisabeth (Jeremiah) Dittmann and Andrew (Emkae) Kraft. Great-granddaughters Lilyana and Rosemary Dittmann. Countless special nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the loving staff of The Willows and Grace Hospice.

A celebration of Mae’s life will be Wednesday, February 23 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 710 E. Broadway St., Osseo, MN. Visitation at 10:00 am, with service at 11:00. Lunch and fellowship following. If so desired, memorials may be designated to St. Paul’s Lutheran or The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota, or the donor’s choice.