"Dear Welnetz Family, It is with sadness that I am writing this note to you. My husband, Ron, and I were very fond of Millie as were other members in the 'Young at Heart' group that performed at nursing homes. She was, indeed, a marvelous, gifted musician. All we had to do was say the title of the song we were going to play, the key it was in and she'd play it perfectly every time by ear. What a talented lady! She was a welcome addition in our lives and we will surely miss her. Sincere sympathy, Nancy and Ron Blood"
In loving memory of
Mildred Welnetz
September 25, 1922 - July 23, 2014
Mildred "Millie" Welnetz, of Antigo, died Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at her home. She was 91 years old. She was born on September 25, 1922 in Langlade County, a daughter of Reinhold and Agnes (Prasalowicz) Berndt. She married Nick Welnetz in 1939, the couple later divorced and he preceded her in death.
Mrs. Welnetz played the accordion and was active in local bands. As a teenager she played in the Evelyn Mattes accordion band. In later years she joined the August Laehn Orchestra known as the Melody Laehns. She also played for Louis Zdrazil's recording orchestra which preformed throughout the midwest before starting her own band - We Three, with Dan Zupon and Jerry Smetana. She also played with the Neva Corners band and the Northernaires. Her final performances were with the Senior Kitchen band - Antigo Spuds and the Young at Heart group which performed at nursing homes.
She served as secretary of the Antigo Musicians Union, was a member of the Veterans of Forgein Wars post 2653-Auxillary, and the Langlade County Senior Citizens Club where she served on the entertainment committee. She volunteered at the Ye'Ole Craft Shop and was a past board member of Community Association of Retirees, (C.A.R.).
As an avid bowler, she will be remembered for many high scores and served as president and secretary of the local bowling league. She enjoyed shooting pool.
Survivors include three daughters, Peg (Bill) Mikkelson, Coleman, Patty (Ron) Wierzba, Oak Creek, Paula (Mark) Marshall, Deerbrook; a son, Jim Welnetz, Antigo; a brother, Carl (Mary) Berndt, Merrill; 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Ken Fleischman, Antigo; a brother-in-law, Wallace Torgerson, Antigo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Carol Fleischman and Marianne Welnetz in infancy; two sons Philip and Robert Welnetz; a sister, Donna Torgerson
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home, Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of services at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Aunt Millie, I will always remember your gentle kindness. Joann (Welnetz) Koeppel"
"My mom was Marylynn Maresh - Millie's cousin. Used to see her in Antigo a lot playing with her Polka Band. Really enjoyed her. "