Mildred Kautz

Mildred Kautz, 97, Wishek, ND died Monday evening, April 26, 2021, at the Wishek Living Center in Wishek.

Mildred Erbele was born December 23, 1923, North of Lehr, ND the daughter of Andrew and Martha (Reich) Erbele.  She attended the local rural school and graduated from Lehr High School in 1942. 

She married the love of her life, Reuben Kautz, on June 17, 1947, at Wishek, ND.  They made their home in Wishek where she worked at the Wishek Post Office from 1944 until her retirement in 1986; she served under 5 postmasters during that time.  Following the death of her husband in September of 1993 she continued to reside in Wishek.

Mildred was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wishek and active in many organizations including the choir, Wishek Country Club, Homemakers, Wishek Civic League, and Good Will Ambassador of the Wishek Living Center where she was a charter member.  One highlight was when the Good Will Ambassadors were honored with the National Award for Volunteer service she was able to attend at the National Convention in San Diego, CA, with Jean Klein in Oct of 2008.

She loved to cook, bake and entertain; she cherished her family and many friends. 

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Margaret Rokusek, Charleston, SC; 2 grandchildren, Dr. Christopher (Nichole) Gienger and Michael Rokusek; 1 sister, Delores (Russ) Fiechtner, West Fargo, ND; 2 sisters in law, Darlene Erbele, Lehr, ND and Delores Erbele, Minneapolis, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; 1 grandchild, Nathan, son-in-law, Dave and 5 brothers, Arthur, Elmer, Leo, Harvey, and Calvin.

Memorial Service-11:00 AM Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Zion United Methodist Church in Lehr, ND.

Interment- Wishek City Cemetery, Wishek, ND