Lucille Desotell

Lucille was born October 30, 1924, in Red Lake County, to John and Anna (Phalen) Schmitz. In 1942, she graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls, MN. Afterwards, she received a certificate of Normal Teaching from the State of MN and she continued to take college classes. On January 7, 1946, Lucille married Maurice Desotell. Lucille worked various jobs, but her true passion was being a school teacher. She taught at the Wylie Country School and for more than 20 years taught at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Red Lake Falls. She taught four of her children and many nieces and nephews over the years. Every year, she read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books to her students. During recess time, she played kickball, Annie Annie over, and the Fox and the Goose. She loved teaching children and she was a gifted teacher. She was also a member of the St. Ann’s Christian Group of Terrebonne, MN. 

After moving to Clarissa, Lucille worked on their family farm with her husband. She worked on the farm after the death of her husband. She cared for the cows and farm well into her 80’s. She provided care for others by being a Home Health Aid. She also continued her devotion to God by being a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa and she was a member of several groups. She continued her love of teaching through her faith by teaching religious classes for children in the church for many years. She volunteered at Christ the King School. She was lovingly taken care of at Central Todd County Care Center for the past 11 years.  

She cared for God’s creation through spending time working in the garden and flower beds. Her home was decorated inside and out with her love for all the holidays. She collected salt and pepper shakers, rocks, stamps and newspaper clippings for family members. She enjoyed dancing to the Waltz, Polkas, the Chicken Dance, and playing the piano. She was a member of the “deer hunting crew” and she was often caught snoozing and leaving her deer stand. Her children and grandchildren loved her homemade cinnamon rolls and buns. The grandchildren enjoyed church with her, hunting with her, playing with her salt and pepper shakers, helping her with the cows and chores, drinking milk out of the bulk tank, exploring her farm, and playing hockey on the pond. Her spirit of camaraderie and laughter filled her home. Lucille was loving, kind hearted and self-driven. 

Lucille is preceded in death by her parents; husband Maurice, infant son Joseph, daughter Judith, son in-law Jack Hartman and 12 siblings.

Lucille is survived by her children: John (Kim) Desotell of Bird Island, Reaume (Bev) Desotell of Browerville, Vern (Bernice) Desotell of Clarissa, Joleen (Arlen) Johnson of Eagle Bend; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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