Grace L. Hardtke-Milchner, 88, Oconto Falls, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday morning, July 25, 2013, with her family present. She was born Jan. 11, 1925, in Oconto to Harry and Edna (Whiting) Exferd. Grace grew up in Oconto where she attended high school, graduating with honors with the Class of 1943.
On June 26, 1943, she married Harold L. Hardtke at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. Together the couple owned and operated the Hardtke family farm for many years where they raised their eight children and taught them Christian values of honesty, hard work and the importance of family.
Grace was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls, where she served as treasurer for 34 years and was involved in all the Women of the Church activities, including serving as president for three years. She also served on the church council, taught Sunday school, was active in stewardship efforts and volunteered her time on the funeral dinner committee.
She also was a 4-H leader, Home Respite Care volunteer and practiced the gift of hospitality to all. Nana, as she was lovingly known by all her grandchildren, will be fondly remembered for her strong Christian faith, unending devotion to her family and always being available to help anyone.
After 55 years of married life, her husband, Harold, preceded her in death on Aug. 25, 1998. On June 3, 2000, she married Carl Milchner, and together they enjoyed nine years together until Carl’s death on Feb. 14, 2009.
Survivors are her eight children, Gloria (Lloyd) Barth, of East Peoria, Ill., Ken (Mary Tisch) Hardtke, of Rhinelander, Judy (Norman “Bud”) Block, of Jackson, Joyce Smies, of Oostburg, Connie (Mark) Hohne, of Oconto, and Phyllis (Gary) Logan, Carol Hardtke and Joanne Hardtke, all of Milwaukee; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Olga and Chris Deckert, Erich and Belva Milchner, all of Oconto Falls, Ray Wentland, of Florida; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Besides her parents and husbands, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Norm (Lois) and Milton (Virginia) Exferd; one sister, Elizabeth “Liz” (Bill) Kane; one grandson, Ronald Block; son-in-law, Ronald Smies; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation was held Monday, July 29, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation continued Tuesday, July 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the church with Dr. W.H. Winkler officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Kingdom Come food pantry in Oconto Falls or the charity of one’s choice.
Grace’s family would like to thank Unity Hospice and all the home caregivers, especially Kim Holmes, for the fine care they gave her during their time together.
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