Miriam A. Apitz, age 79, of Mankato died Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at Mankato House Health Care Center.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2005 at Mankato Mortuary with Rev. Eugene Glade officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or the donors choice.
Miriam Alice Apitz was born October 1, 1925 to Carl and Laura (Mees) Apitz in Amboy, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Amboy, MN graduating from High School in 1943.
After graduation she planned on a nursing career. However, physical examinations revealed a tuberculosis problem and she spent much of her young life fighting the disease. The discovery and use of streptomycin finally was a cure for her. Miriam was one of the first volunteers to take the drug for research purposes. Also while recuperating at Cannon Falls Sanatorium, she studied medical technology and worked in the laboratory.
Later on, Miriam was employed as a psychiatric aid at the St. Peter State Hospital and on her retirement in December 1990, she received a Certificate of Commendations and a plaque for Meritorious Service from Governor Rudy Perpich. Miriam was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mankato. She enjoyed traveling, photography, reading and watching football.
She is survived by her brother, Darell Apitz and his wife, Lucy of New Ulm; nephews, John (Mary and family) of Mendota Heights and Robert (MarySue and family) of New Ulm; several cousins and many friends.