Philomae Mikrot 89, Willow River, died peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Essentia Health, Moose Lake.

She was born on the family farm in Kettle River Township, the youngest of 5, to John and Magdalen Balut on October 19,1935. Philomae graduated from Willow River High School in 1953. She worked at Metropolitan Insurance Company in Minneapolis. On September 8, 1956, Philomae married John Mikrot, Sr. in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Willow River.  While they made their home in Minneapolis for 3 years, they welcomed their first child, Edmund in 1957. In 1959, they purchased the Charlie Adamczak farm and home 4 miles west of Willow River where they worked a small farm and welcomed 3 more children. She worked at the Willow River Area School as a custodian for 19 years. She was a faithful member of St Mary's Catholic Church.

Philomae loved her Polish music and went to many dances and polka fests. She had her collection of polka t-shirts made into a beautiful quilt . She proudly embraced her Polish heritage, whether it was cooking czernia and kluski or visiting Poland (twice).  Philomae was a great cook. She had a heart of gold, a beautiful smile, and a sweet spirit with just the right amount of Polish spunk. Philomae's memories faded but her faith in Jesus Christ and her ability to pray never left her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Mikrot, Sr. in 1977 and a son: Edmund in 2006.

Philomae will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Jeanine (Earl) Dehmer; DeeAnn (Stanley) Steffensen; and John (Beckie) Mikrot, Jr.; 10 grandchildren: Hope, Ellery, Paul, Daniel, Carson, Dominic, Gracie, John III, Troy, and Shelly; 6 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 3-5 pm with a Rosary at 5 pm in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.  Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11 am.  Visitation will be on Monday, one hour prior to Mass in the St. Mary's Center, Willow River.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Willow River.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.