Mildred Lydia Joachim

Mildred Lydia Schoenfeldt was born on September 10, 1925 in Elma, IA, to Ben and Laura Schoenfeldt. She was the youngest of three; her older brother was Harold, and her older sister Aleatha. Mildred was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter?s Lutheran Church in Elma, and attended rural and public schools in Elma. Mildred met Charles Joachim from Alta Vista at a dance in Spillville when they were both teenagers. One humorous part of their courtship was that Mildred?s parents required that her older sister Aleatha accompany them on dates. In spite of that, Chuck and Millie married on Jan. 18, 1945, during a snowstorm! They began farming in the area and often told stories of the "early days"?living in a house with no electricity, no running water, and only a corn-cob burning stove for heat. Their first of three daughters, Karyl Kay, was born March 2, 1948. In 1950, the young family sold nearly everything they owned, and moved to Cedar Falls, where Chuck began college at Iowa State Teachers College. Their second daughter, Patricia Ann, was born on Dec. 7, 1953, while they lived in the Quonset huts, married student housing, next to campus. Chuck?s first teaching job took the family to Clarence, IA. Millie worked part-time for a few years at a local restaurant. She also was involved with numerous ladies groups at their church, school activities, and community events. Laurie Lynne, the couple?s third daughter, was born on Oct. 24, 1963. Chuck?s subsequent jobs in school administration moved the family to Sigourney, IA, and then to Denison, IA. In every location, Millie was the stable support for the family, and an active school administrator?s wife as well. While in Denison, Millie worked for ten years as a receptionist for outpatient services at Crawford County Memorial Hospital. She and Chuck were active members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison, and Millie also volunteered at Eventide, Denison Care Center, and at the hospital. The couple enjoyed fishing trips, travel in general, following their daughters? and granddaughters? activities, and Millie liked to keep a journal of daily activities and events. She also enjoyed her various volunteer and church activities, flowers and plants of every sort, and preparing special treats for her family, including: cherry pies for Karyl, banana bread for Pat, vegetable soup for Laurie, cucumber salad for Kate, and applesauce for Jessie. Her "good goulash" and hobo dinners are still legendary. Chuck and Millie reached their goal of visiting every state in the USA, many via their motor home. Trips to Hawaii and Alaska, and south to Texas and Florida each winter after retirement, were most enjoyable. Chuck and Millie retired in 1986, and moved to Realife in Denison in 1995. Health issues required a move to Eventide in Denison in 2007. Until her death, her daughters and granddaughters continued to bring her great joy, and she was so proud of all of their accomplishments. Mildred died Monday, August 10, 2009, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison having been blessed with 83 years and 11 months. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Laura Schoenfeldt and her brother, Harold Schoenfeldt. Those remaining to cherish her memory include her husband of over 64 years, Charles W. Joachim of Denison, three daughters, Karyl and husband, Wayne Walter of Ft. Myers, Florida, Pat and husband, Jack Kitzman of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Laurie Joachim of New York City, New York, two granddaughters, Kate Elizabeth Walter of Ft. Myers, Florida and Jessica Kate Kitzman of Oskaloosa, Iowa, one sister, Aleatha M. Kruger of Cresco, Iowa, and many dear relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. David Loeschen and Deacon Jon Jacobsen officiating. Music for the service included the congregation singing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "How Great Thou Art" and "Lift High The Cross", Ann Platt and Brenda Martens singing "Amazing Grace" and "Beautiful Savior" and John Withhart playing a saxophone solo, " The Lord?s Prayer" with Mary Kuhlmann serving as organist and pianist. Pallbearers included Leslie Rath, Robert Meyer, Leonard Ahrenholtz, Roger Dozark, and sons-in-law Wayne Walter and Jack Kitzman. Graveside rites and burial were held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2009, at the Union Cemetery in Alta Vista, Iowa. Following the church services in Denison the family cordially invited all in attendance to join them in the fellowship hall for a luncheon prepared and served by Our Savior Women?s Guild. A memorial has been established to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 500 N. 24th Street, Denison, Iowa, 51442. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , in Denison was in charge of arrangements.