Claudine June McMillen

CLAUDINE JUNE MCMILLEN June 29, 1925 – May 8, 2019                   Claudine June McMillen, age 93 of Elk River, MN, formerly a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on May 8, 2019 at the Guardian Angel Care Center in Elk River, MN.                 Claudine was born on June 29, 1925 in Hope, North Dakota to Claude and Fern (Clark) Dowling.  She began her public school education in Hope.  As a teenager, she moved to Park Rapids where she continued her education at the then newly built Park Rapids Public High School.  On Janurary 16, 1943, she was united in marriage to Harry Leroy McMillen in Indiana.  Claudine loved to dance with Harry.  They met at a dance and throughout their marriage enjoyed dancing together.  Shortly after their wedding, Harry shipped out to France to fight in World War II.  During that time, Claudine returned to Park Rapids where she worked cleaning and maintaining the Petrie Cabins in Park Rapids.  After three years, Harry returned from World War II to reunite with his new bride and meet his baby daughter, Claudette, who was born while he was off to war.  They were later blessed with a son, Barry in 1947, a daughter, Georgia in 1955, and a third daughter, Mary, joined the family in 1961.   Claudine also helped raise her two younger brothers, George and Butch, who loved her like a mother.  Claudine devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker while also working outside the home.  Claudine also participated in the Park Rapids Women’s Bowling league for many years.  Later in her life, Claudine would look forward to planning annual trips with her adult children to Las Vegas.  They made these trips together for a total of 15 consecutive years.                  She will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Claudette Blaisdell of Elk River, MN, Barry McMillen of Oklahoma City, OK, Georgia (Dan) Kruse of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Mary (David) Blaisdell of Hoyt Lakes, MN; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 Claudine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry in 1991; 3 brothers, 4 sisters, and grandson, Jason Anstine.                 Memorial services will be held 2 PM Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.   To leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com