Mildred L. Pethke

Mildred L. Pethke, age 92, of Suring, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with family by her side. Millie was born on July 12, 1931, to the late Herman and Lena (Wolford) Ruch. On Oct. 28, 1950, Millie married Otto Pethke at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. The couple farmed in the Town of How and raised their nine children. Millie loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed hosting events for family and friends and was known for her wonderful cooking. Millie was a very kind, compassionate woman who babysat for many children over the years. She also enjoyed playing cards, embroidery and putting puzzles together for her family to hang in their homes. Millie was a lifelong member at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. Millie is survived by her children, Howard (Rebecca) Pethke, Barb (Bob) Niec, Judy Bunker, Linda (Dave) Bullock, Otto (Delberta) Pethke, Diane Sleeter, Susan (Wayne) Mueller, Lisa (Jeff) Suring and Nancy (Jeff) Estep; 25 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Bonnie) Ruch; sister-in-law, Darlene Pethke. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otto; two sons-in-law, Dean Bunker and Mike Sleeter; grandchildren, Dawn Pethke and Kevin Niec; two great-grandchildren; four sisters; a brother. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. The service will be livestreamed to Gruetzmacher Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Millie will be interred at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the staffs of The Bay at Suring Nursing Home and Unity Hospice for the care and compassion offered to Millie.