Mildred M. Riske

Mildred M. Riske 79, Town Line Road, Athens, died Saturday, February 22, 2003 at the home of her son under the care of Marshfield Ministry Home Care Mildred was born on December 28, 1923 in Wisconsin Rapids, the daughter of the late Fred and Minnie (Marzofka) Hetzel. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. She graduated from Whitewater State Teachers College in 1948, specializing in English and Social Science. Her first teaching positions were in Lac du Flambeau and Unity. She married Robert Riske of Athens on April 22, 1950. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2000. Mildred taught and served as librarian in the Athens and Edgar School Districts. She was a forensics coach for her entire career, and advised the Edgar High School Librarians' Club. Involvement at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens included the Parent Teacher's Organization and the Ladies' Aid. She was an officer in both the Edgar Professional Educator's Association and the Central Wisconsin Librarian's Association. Mildred belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, an association of women educators. She was a member of the Van Buren Homemakers Club since 1986. She loved to travel, and enjoyed their summer fishing retreat up at Lake Tomahawk. Her gifts of hospitality and generosity were extended to family and friends both near and far. Survivors include two sons, Douglas (Patty) Riske and Dale Riske all of Athens; two daughters, Dawn (Michael) Hoy, St. Louis, Missouri; and DeAnn (Rick) Hilfiker, Holtville, California; ten grandchildren, Rachel and Allison Riske, Athens; Martin, Philip and Katie Hoy, St. Louis, Missouri; Jeff (Brandi), Jeremy, Jarett, Joel, and Johanna Hilfiker, California; a great-grandson, Derek Hilfiker, California; three sisters, Margaret Newman and Verna Jepson, both of Wisconsin Rapids, and Norma Hogan, Rudolph; two brothers, Robert Hetzel and Herbert Hetzel, both of Wisconsin Rapids. The funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Donn Radde will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until the time of services at the church.