Mildred B. Sandven was born December 29, 1911, in Columbus, North Dakota, the daughter of Martin and Rebecca (Hagen) Bjornjeld. Her family moved to Big Bend, Minnesota after a fire destroyed their homestead. She attended the one-room Barduson School (where her mother had also attended). She was confirmed by the Reverend C.T. Jensen at Big Bend Lutheran Church. In 1933, Mildred married Melvin Sandven on her birthday. Together they raised four daughters. She was a very busy farmer's wife: she loved gardening, cooking, did rosemaling, quilting, crocheting, and celebrated all things Norwegian. Mildred was steadfast and strong, and she will be greatly missed. She was called from this life on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attained the age of 98 years, 1 month and 15 days. Mildred is survived by her daughters: Marie Schmaus of Ham Lake, Carolyn (James) Lee of Naples, FL, Kathryn Rettenmaier of Owatonna, and Marjorie Crock of Minneapolis; six grandchildren: John Schmaus, LuAnn Schmaus, Jennifer Lee, Jeannine Andreano, Eric Rettenmaier and David Rettenmaier; eight great grandchildren: Kori, Joshua, Jacob, Tyler, Stephanie, Alex, Joseph and Matthew; one great-great grandchild, Ian; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Melvin; her parents, Martin and Rebecca; two sons-in-law, Roger Schmaus and Robert Rettenmaier; and siblings: Ida, Melvin, Olaf, and Olga.