Annette Wilda Chapek, 87, of Elkton, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester.

Born at home on Aug. 14, 1927, with her grandmother as the mid-wife, Annette was the firstborn child of Alvin (Billy) and Neva (Meader) Mickelson. She entered into this world weighing less than three pounds, but soon grew out of the dresser drawer that served as her first crib.

She graduated with honors from Albert Lea High School and attended a secretarial academy that landed her a job at Hormel where she became head of their secretarial pool. While roller-skating, she met Russell Chapek who could keep up with her footwork and although that skating ability didn’t carry over to the dance floor, after his tour of duty in the Navy ended, they were married on Jan. 2, 1949, in Albert Lea.

Russell’s family’s farm was located near Oakland and they first moved there, then to Hollandale and in 1960, they bought a family farm near Elkton, where Rodney, their son and his family continue to farm. Though a “city girl,” Annette became a farmwife and loved being outdoors. In 1968 she was appointed as postmaster to Elkton’s post office and after 23 years retired from her position.

Travelling had always been a family event and she carried on that tradition with trips to 49 states, Mexico, Canada and Norway. She had an extensive stamp and coin collection and liked to fish, but her favorite time was spent with her family. She was a member of the Dexter United Methodist Church and NAPUS.

Annette’s life was a testimony to her strong and loyal character. She had a quick wit, a caring soul and a kind nature, which will be missed, by her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Russell; and brother Harold Mickelson.

She is survived by her children: Anita Wendt (James Kvall), Stewartville, Minnesota, Rebecca Chapek (Bill Myers) Cordova, Arkansas, Russell W. (Cindy) Chapek, Lake Crystal, Minnesota, Rodney (Diane) Chapek, Elkton, Minnesota; grandchildren: Jason Wendt, Lynette (Nathan) De Cook, Melissa Johnson, Kalyn Simon, Sophia Myers, Corey (Stephanie) Chapek, Chrystal (Peter) Lindeman, Candice (Lucas) Bartel, Cassidy Chapek, Adam Chapek, Allison (Dean) Ellingson, Jacob Chapek; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Gordon Mickelson, Murray, Nebraska; brother-in-law Albert Nasby, Hauser, Oregon; sister-in-law Doris Simmons, Walla Walla, Washington; cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Dexter United Methodist Church with the Rev. Karen Ashton officiating. Interment will be at Dexter Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday at the church for one hour before the service.