Obituary of Lucille F. Birchem

Lucille Spading was born on March 17, 1923 in the town of Browns Valley, MN. She was the youngest of 14 children! When she arrived in this world, five of her siblings had already left home to begin their own lives. Her father worked as a mason, and her mother stayed busy keeping the household organized. She graduated from Browns Valley High School. The day after graduation, she and her parents moved to Pine Island. The move brought them closer to her brothers and sisters. Her first job was in Rochester, where she worked as a housekeeper for a doctor. She lived in Rochester during the week, but made the trip home every Thursday and every other weekend. After one year of this, Lucille started working in Pine Island, MN at a factory where she made cheese boxes. On her 19th birthday, she decided to go out dancing to celebrate. It was at this dance she met Mathew Birchem. They had a two year courtship, which coincided with Mathew serving his country in World War II. They were married on April 25, 1944. Eventually, they moved to Rosholt, SD to begin a career in farming. Lucille raised two boys and two girls. She has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In 1955, the family moved to Saint Paul. Lucille then began a 32-year career in babysitting, caring for the children of her relatives and friends. Crafts, bingo, and trips were just a few of the things that she enjoyed. Her favorite trips were to the casinos. The majority of the traveling was to Seattle and Portland visiting relatives. She looked forward to family gatherings, holidays, the annual picnic, and other special events. She was a member of the Conway Senior Group, TOPS, and was involved in and enjoyed many activities and crafts at Cerenity Senior Care. She was always willing to volunteer and lend a helping hand. Lucille F. Birchem, age 93 of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mathew. She is survived by her children, Gary (Carla), Wayne (Amy), Gloria (Tom) Rockne, and Louise (Jim) Matzke; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. Visitation at 9:00 A.M. and Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 9th, 2017 at Cerenity Chapel, 1891 Florence Street, White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Interment at Newport Cemetery in Newport, Minnesota following the Luncheon.