Mildred Clara Solchenberger (nee Sipla) passed away peacefully on February 11, 2013 into the arms of the Lord at the age of 91.
Mildred was born January 15, 1922 in the town of Adams, WI and was the youngest child of the late Anton & Marie (nee Linhart) Sipla. On June 1, 1942, she was united in marriage to Fred L. Solchenberger of Adams, WI when he was stationed in Brownsville, TX while serving in the U.S. Army. They were blessed with 35 years of marriage and one child, Lois, who was not only a daughter, but Mildred's best friend. After her husband's death on April 6, 1978, Mildred chose to continue residing with her daughter and son-in-law's family rather than moving to their retirement home in Adams, WI.
While living in Milwaukee, Mildred worked for Better Living and then she worked at Harnischfeger on Orchard St. until she retired after 22 A½ years. While working at Harnischfeger, she then moved to Oconomowoc and later to West Bend. It was during this time that Mildred missed working and decided to return to the workforce with Goodwill Industries for a total of 7 years, both in West Bend and Fond du Lac. She retired again at the age of 70.
Mildred was involved in many activities and ministries at her church, Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend, WI. She volunteered in her spare time at the Threshold Gift Shop and West Bend Food Pantry. Mildred was a member of TOPS in West Bend. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1951. In addition, she was a member of the Western Bohemian Fraternal Association (WFLA) since childhood.
Mildred lovingly cared for her two grandsons and four great-grandchildren whenever she could. She traveled all over the country with friends and family. Mildred spent many hours working outside gardening, enjoying flowers, crocheting afghans/sweaters/booties, angels, and snowflakes. Mildred enjoyed being active and always said there were not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
She is survived by her daughter, Lois (Paul Jr.) Salinas; two grandsons, Paul (Kelly A.) Salinas, Robert (Kelly J.) Salinas; four great-grandchildren (who were all the love of her life), Brenden Salinas, Jaden Salinas, Gabriel Salinas and Millie Salinas, all of West Bend, WI. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Glen (Vel) Solchenberger and Philip Langer, as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; sister, Anne (Homer) Barr; brothers Edward Sipla, Carl (Louise) Sipla, Otto (Rosalie) Sipla, and Emil (Betty) Sipla; brothers-in-law, Edward (Evelyn) Solchenberger and Lyle (Carol) Solchenberger; and sisters-in-law, Esther Roller and Lucille Langer.
The family would like to thank the Kathy Hospice, especially Kathleen, Debra, Debbie, Sister Donna and Rebecca who were all there for Mildred and her family. Also, a special thank you to Renee for coming to cut and style Millie's hair. It made her feel very special. Additionally, the family is grateful to Pastor Rich Vincent for his weekly visits and prayers, as well as all the cards and prayers from Mildred's "church family" at Immanuel United Church of Christ. Both Mildred and her family thank everyone for the many flowers and beautiful cards that were sent. She remarked how beautiful they all were and could not believe how many people cared for her.
A funeral service in remembrance of Mildred will be held on Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., West Bend, with Pastor Rich Vincent officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Cremation will follow and Mildred's cremated remains will be buried in Fordham Cemetery in Adams, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Kathy Hospice, 3232 Pleasant Valley Rd. West Bend, WI 53095.