Mildred Schwanke

Mildred Evelyn Schwanke, age 91 of Westfield, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Bethany Home in Waupaca where she resided for the last eight years. She was born on January 14, 1925 in the Town of Newton to Erhardt and Ella (Gatz) Polenske. Mildred married Harold Edwin Schwanke on April 12, 1942 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Town of Newton. Her greatest joy in life was spending time together with family and friends.

After many years of farming with her husband Harold, Mildred was employed at The Golden Horse Ranch and Brakebush Brothers. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul's, serving on the Ladies Guild and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). She belonged to the Future Homemakers of America and Social Card Club. For many years Mildred volunteered at the Marquette County Fair, receiving recognition as "A Friend of the Fair." Her gifted talents included sewing, cooking, baking, and gardening.

Survivors include two children, Pastor Wayne (Eileen) Schwanke of Waupaca and Nancy Tennant of DePere; three grandchildren, Catherine (fiancé, Heli) Schwanke of Chicago, Wes (Kathy) Tennant of DePere and Kristen (David) Buntman of Green Bay; two great grandchildren, Brayden and Gavin Tennant; sister in law, Doris Schwanke of Westfield; and other relatives and friends. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Erhardt and Ella Polenske; her husband, Harold; and three sisters, Dorothy Schwochert, Hilda Gilgann and Verna Henke.

A funeral service for Mildred will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newton with Rev. Thomas Mickelson officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Newton. A visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Town of Newton; or Bethany Home, Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Mildred with her family & friends.