Mae I. Schultz

Mae Isabelle Schultz

One of seven children, Mae Isabelle Mickelson was born to Henry and Sarah (Lund) Mickelson at home in rural Hawley, MN, on May 3, 1925. Growing up on the family farm brought Mae many rich experiences that made for fond memories. She was a precocious tomboy who loved adventure and climbing the oak tree at the farm. She loved the outdoors, watching sunsets from the tops of the farm machinery, running as fast as the boys, pitching softball (known for her curveball), playing horseshoes, and yodeling across the valley from the big oak tree. Throughout her life, nothing gave Mae more pleasure than being outside on a warm, sunny day with a light breeze. It was in her later years, sitting outside, that her talent for writing poetry was born with inspiration ranging from faith to farming. As a teenager, Mae would pick potatoes, up to 100 bushels a day, a testament to her strong work ethic. She won several 4H awards for her sewing projects. She was chosen as Style Queen of the Barnesville 4H Club and as an attendant to the Clay County Style Queen.

In 1946, Mae moved to Fargo, ND, where she proudly worked for Herbst Department Store. There she had her first taste of independence and would walk to work from her nearby apartment. While in Fargo, she met James "Jim" Schultz and the two were married at Grong Church in rural Hawley in 1950. They moved to Vergas, MN and together owned a small summer resort on Loon Lake until moving to Moorhead, MN in 1954. In Moorhead, Mae and Jim raised three children, Barbara, Michael, and William (Bill). They also built a home on Sybil Lake near Vergas, MN, allowing them to enjoy summers at the lake and for Mae to remain close to lifelong friends after Jim's passing in 1976.

Mae was an active and dedicated member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead. She was a part of the LWML, Ladies Circle, Young In Spirit and often assisted with teaching Sunday School, high school confirmation classes, and co-leading the Fall Turkey Suppers until she retired her famous metallic gold apron in 2009.

Always ready for an adventure, Mae traveled with friends and family to destinations from New York to California and beyond including Hawaii, Egypt, Spain, and Germany where she followed the steps of Martin Luther. Winters in Arizona, California and Florida became a highlight for Mae as she escaped the cold in favor of time with friends and family. She enjoyed close relationships with her nieces and nephews, many of whom she traveled to visit or adventured with to many destinations.

Mae enjoyed gathering people together whether that meant hosting, organizing lunch dates or dinners out, picnics, or family reunions. Mae took great pride in preparing family meals, sometimes setting her table days ahead of time for the holidays. She always made sure the dining room looked as special as the gifts she so carefully and creatively wrapped. Mae was known for her sense of style and would never leave the house without her lipstick and jewelry on. She loved driving her renowned, yellow Cadillac from coast to coast, listening to music of all kinds from Patti Page to Pavarotti to Alan Jackson. She tended her garden with care and had a special affinity for red geraniums. Above all, Mae loved spending time with her grandchildren and cherished her family, often reminding them how proud she was to be their mom, grandma, and great-grandma.

Mae made Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead her home for the last 9 years of her life. She built treasured friendships with many of the wonderful staff and residents and many have shared that when having a tough time or bad day they'd stop in to visit Mae to lift their spirits. She truly loved living at Eventide and was involved in daily activities, exercise, music, and church services with Chaplain Streed. Prior to living there, Mae volunteered in the ice cream parlor at Eventide's Main Street. She always knew that Eventide was where she wanted to be, and she never wavered in that decision.

Mae passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 7, 2026, at the Eventide Care Center. She will be remembered for her faith in our Lord and Savior and her love of family, friends, and strangers that quickly became new friends. She was an example of strength, grace, courage, patience, and acceptance.

Mae is survived by her children, Barbara Schultz, Michael Schultz, and Bill Schultz (Dawn); eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by James W. Schultz, Henry and Sarah Mickelson, Stanley and Alice (Nelson) Mickelson, Thomas Mickelson, Morris and Lorraine (Aune) Mickelson, Thelma and Gerhard Bergseid, Helen and Harry Bergseid, Lorraine and Kenneth Bergseid, and Wm. and Violet Schultz.

Thank you to the friends and family who called and visited Mae - each of you brought a smile to Mae's face and helped make these years even more delightful for her. A special thanks to the staff at Eventide and to Chaplain Streed for the excellent care given to Mae over her 9 years as a resident. Your dedication and friendship truly helped to make her years at Eventide exceptional. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Lexy, Cathy, Chaplain Tom, and the entire team at HIA Hospice in Fargo who provided wonderful care, resources, songs, and support during Mae's final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Mae's honor to Eventide Foundation or HIA Hospice.

Service details for Mae will be updated soon.

Interment will take place at St. Paul's Loon Lake Church in Vergas, MN in Spring 2026