Mildred Louise Wicks, 87, of rural Austin, died Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, at Mayo Health System in Austin with her family at her side.

She was born April 23, 1924, to Charles B. and Minnie (Friesen) Howell in New Virginia, Iowa. She attended New Virginia Schools, played high school girls basketball and graduated from New Virginia High School in 1941. She graduated from beauty school in Des Moines, Iowa, and moved to Iowa Falls, Iowa, where she owned and operated Hillside Beauty Shop. She married Salmer Wicks on Aug. 7, 1943, at St. Olaf Lutheran Parsonage in Austin, Minn. They bought a farm five miles west of Austin in 1944, where they lived, farmed and raised their family. Mildred resided there until her death.

She worked together with her husband on the family farm and she assisted him with his real estate business. She was very active in the community, including Moscow Neighbors Club, Cemetery board, Oakland Baptist church and many 4-H activities. She was a Freeborn County 4-H Key leader with more than 30 years of service. The 4-H days provided many wonderful memories for her four children.

Mildred loved to travel and had made many trips in the states from east to west, north to south, and a few trips to Norway to visit her daughter and family. She loved the many family reunions and enjoyed making food for these and other special occasions.

She spent many years caring for ailing relatives before working as a nurses’ aid at Comforcare from 1986 until 2003, receiving recognition for never missing a day of work in 16 years. Family was very important to her. She was dedicated to attend many special events for her family, including sports activities, music and school functions, graduations, weddings and confirmations.

Survivors include her children, James (Carol) Wicks of North St. Paul, Ethel Sonja (Jostein) Monstad of Bergen, Norway, Dale (Lee) Wicks of rural Austin, Raymond (Jean) Wicks of Plattsmouth, Neb.; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Lavon (Clyta) Howell of New Virginia, Iowa; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Salmer; brothers, Kermit Howell and Charles E. Howell.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Grace Baptist Church in Austin with Pastor Bernie Boldt and Pastor Raymond Wicks officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at the Fairview Cemetery, rural Oakland. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.