Mildred "Millie" Speidel

Mildred Speidel passed away peacefully at her residence at Tarfa Terrace, Fond du Lac, WI on February 26th, 2025. Mildred was born to Hugo and Ella Ross in Berlin, WI, on September 14, 1925. Some of her fondest memories growing up are when she would spend her summers at the Garbisch Family farm in Granton, WI. After high school graduation she attended college at what was then called Stevens Point Teachers College where she received her bachelor’s degree in teaching with a major in English & Vocal Music. She met her ‘soon-to-be’ husband Stephen Speidel in college band where she played clarinet and Stephen played Coronet. They were married on August 25th, 1946 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Steven’s Point. In 1949 they moved to Shiocton, WI where they had their first teaching assignments. One year later Stephen accepted a High School teaching job in Prophetstown, Ill. This is where Mildred and Stephen began their family with the births of Stephen, David, Barbara, and Luanne (all followed in their parent’s footsteps and became accomplished musicians). Mildred was a ‘stay-at-home’ mother up until 1958 when the family moved to Cazenovia, WI. Mildred stayed busy raising all four kids and doing substitute teaching at Weston High School. Another move, in 1962, to Cedar Grove, WI where Mildred was a K-8 vocal music educator up until 1970 when the family relocated to Waupun, WI and a new teaching position in the Markesan school district where she received a ‘Teacher of the Year’ award. After retirement in 1985 she remained in Waupun but then relocated to Milwaukee and later moved to Mesa (she loved Mesa where she picked up the nickname Tootie!). Eventually returning to Fond du Lac where she could be closer to family. Mildred was always involved with her Lutheran Church community, volunteering at Art Museums or Performing Art Centers and the local Lutheran Thrift Store in Mesa. She loved travel and was active in Folk Dancing and Tap Dancing groups. She was always a caring person and went out of her way to help others in need and helping with the grandkids whenever she could. Mildred is preceded in death by her parents Hugo & Ella Ross; brothers Norman and Delwin Ross, and son Stephen Speidel (2024). She is survived by Alan (brother) & Odetta Ross; David (son) & Linda Speidel; Barbara Oskey (daughter); Luanne (daughter) & Mike Ritsema & Robin Speidel (daughter in-law). Grandchildren Matt Speidel, Emily Oskey, Stacey Whitcomb, Naomi Oskey, Colleen Ebersole, Leslie Oskey, Stephen Speidel II & Kay Speidel). Great Grandchildren (Evalynn, Brynn & Elise Whitcomb, Allie & Owen Speidel, Landen & Collin Ebersole). A Memorial Service for Mildred will be held at Hope Lutheran, 260 Vincent St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935, on April 4th with visitation at 10:00 followed by a memorial service at 11:00. A reception to follow at a location yet to be determined.

Mildred "Millie" Speidel

September 14, 1925 - February 26, 2025