In loving memory of

Mildred Wanek
July 15, 1918 - April 5, 2015

Mildred Minnie Emma Brand Wanek, 96, formerly of Lewiston, died April 5, 2015 at Lake Winona Manor.
Mildred was born July 15, 1918, to August John Brand and Anna Julia Bublitz Brand in Hart Township, Winona County. The family moved to the Lewiston area where she attended St. John's parochial elementary school and Lewiston High School graduating in 1936.
She married George Henry Wanek on July 21, 1938 in St. John's Lutheran Church where she had also been confirmed.
She and George farmed briefly in the Dover area and then moved to the Utica are where they farmed for 10 years. They then bought a farm outside of Altura and farmed there until 1969 when their daughter and son-in-law bought it from them. While farming they worked side by side raising dairy cattle, but for a brief time also hogs and chickens. She also worked at Altura Rex Turkey Plant. She was a very hard worker doing field work and chores along with running a household and raising 4 children.
They moved to Arcadia in 1970 where George worked at Ashley Furniture until 1976 when he died suddenly.
Mildred built a home in Lewiston where she worked at Lake Center in Lewiston and North Star Foods in St. Charles. She also did volunteer work at the Lewiston Villa. Her hobbies were crocheting, quilting which members of her family still use and enjoy, and embroidery. She also enjoyed playing cards and dancing. She had a large garden until the last few years.
She is survived by 4 children, Diana Streuber (Las Vegas, NV), Ronald (Joyce) Wanek, (Arcadia, WI and St. Petersburg, FL), Karen (A.Dale) Moger, (Altura, MN), and Gloria Smith, (Elk Grove, CA). Mildred has 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Betty Jane Bundy of Kaukauna, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant brother (Elmer), her sisters Linda Frahm and Elna Krause, and brother Melvin Brand. Mildred will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Lewiston with the Reverend Michael A. Lindemann and Reverend Paul Kuckhahn officiating. Visitation will be 4 - 8 p .m., Friday at the church and one hour prior to the service. Mildred will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery. Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Lewiston is assisting the family.
Please share a memory of Mildred and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.

Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/585077

Tributes

Marie wrote on May 9, 2015:

"I am so sorry for your loss of Mildred; please accept my sincere condolences. May you find comfort and hope in the resurrection we will have similar to that of Lazarus at John 11. God wants us to be able to see and enjoy the company of our loved ones again in a healthy condition (Isaiah 33:28) for countless generations of time. He promises a time where no family will ever have to mourn the death of a loved ever again. Revelation 21:4. May God himself grant you great peace and comfort now during this grievous time."

Mardy Midler wrote on Apr 16, 2015:

"Sorry, Karen, for the loss of your Mom. My prayers and sympathy are with you. May you cherish your wonderful memories."

Laurel Wanek wrote on Apr 11, 2015:

"I'm sorry that I just heard about Mildred's death from my son Matt after the funeral had taken place. I hope that your mother had an easy passing. It was lovely to read her obituary and learn about her early and long life.Sincerely, Laurel Wanek"

Connie Oldham wrote on Apr 10, 2015:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your mother. I had a nice visit with her in Stockton about month ago. May you find peace & comfort in fond memories."

Bev Bab wrote on Apr 10, 2015:

"My sympathies to the family . Mildred was such a nice lady .I met her through ,Ted Oldham , they found some happiness by each others company ."

Sandra (Burfeind) and David Murray wrote on Apr 9, 2015:

"Our sympathy to Gloria and all of Mildred's family. My mother enjoyedMildred's friendship when she moved back to Lewiston. What good times those ladies had! God bless your family."

Roger and Mary Burt wrote on Apr 9, 2015:

"Such a nice, wonderful woman. Always so friendly. our sinceresympathy."

Bobbi Steenlage wrote on Apr 9, 2015:

"I never met Mildred in person, but remember talking to her on the phone when I was arranging a delivery for her. It is always hard to lose a loved one, but it sounds like she was one great person, had a full life and will be greatly missed."

Zach and Suzanne Cisco-Schroeder wrote on Apr 8, 2015:

"Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. She must have been an incredible woman and salt of the Earth to raise such a wonderful family. God BlessZach and Suzanne"

Gary and Betty Slaby wrote on Apr 8, 2015:

"Our thoughts are with you Ron and Joyce. Love you...."

Gail (Prigge) & Bob Sim wrote on Apr 8, 2015:

"Our sincere sympathy to your family in the loss of your mother.Gail (Prigge) and Bob Sim"

Kathy Foster wrote on Apr 7, 2015:

"I have so many endearing memories of Mildred. She was my grandma's (Elna's) sister, and I grew up attending many family dinners and holidays with her. She was such a beautiful woman, inside and out, and she loved her family and was proud of each and every one of them. Her and grandma had many outings together, and a cute story I will always remember about them is playing Bingo at the Lewiston Community Center. When one of them would win (maybe a pot holder or some small item), the other would get jealous and sull up. I guess this was a "sibling" rivalry of some sort, but I always got such a kick out of the two of them. Mildred will remain in my heart always. I can only imagine the beautiful garden she will be growing in heaven, along with her sisters and brother and other loved ones who have moved on! I will miss you... Much love and sympathy to all of her family. I wish I could make it to her celebration of life this weekend, but please know I will thinking of each and every one of you! "

Heather and Troy Sather wrote on Apr 7, 2015:

"Aunt Millie was always so generous and loving to me. When I went to college in Winona, she made sure I never felt alone or lonely. She made me gifts--cookies, treats, and a small lap quilt that I still have. I loved singing hymns with her and talking to her about her life and mine--at every point in my life, she kept a correspondence with me that was filled with nothing but love and acceptance. She will be dearly missed."

norma simon wrote on Apr 7, 2015:

"sorry for your loss, I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts."

Rick & Nell Bryson wrote on Apr 7, 2015:

"We were glad that we had the honor to have known Mildred. Our thoughts are prayers are with the family."

Amie Whetstone wrote on Apr 6, 2015:

"My Sweet Great Aunt Mildred, you will be dearly missed. I am happy I was able to visit you one last time while in the Manor, you will forever be remembered as a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. You always told me how pretty I was, and all I can say is good looks run in the family! I will miss you so much, and do know you will be watching over me from up above! Hugs!!"

Ruth Thompson wrote on Apr 6, 2015:

"Mildred was a good friend of my Mom's. So sorry for your loss."