Mildred “Milly” M. Smith

1927-2020

Mildred “Milly” M. Smith, 93, of Medford, died on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at Marshfield Medical Center where she had been a patient for the past week.

She was raised as a foster child with the Frank and Mildred Dank family in Vernon County. While in Medford, she was employed at the Fayette Hotel and Weathershield Glass. Highlights in her life were both her marriages, watching her children, stepchildren and grandchildren grow and mature. Her hobbies included cooking, quilt making, traveling, participating in VFW Auxiliary events, fishing, gardening, camping and getting an ice cream cone for her special friend “Rebel” the yellow lab. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Medford and the Medford VFW Auxiliary.

Surviving are her husband, Donald L. Smith of Medford; son, Steve (Barb) Kauss of Green Bay; stepsons, Terry Smith and Dave (Jill) Smith both of Medford. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with her foster siblings, Gloria Benish and Laramie (Pat) Dank both of Hillsboro.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband; daughter, Caroline Koenig; step-children, Daniel Smith, Greta Smith, Jeri Lee Smith-Braun; and foster brother, Dale Dank.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to either the Medford VFW Auxiliary or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Medford.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Funeral services for Mildred took place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Just prior to the funeral services there was a short VFW Auxiliary service. Burial took place at Perkinstown Community Cemetery in the town of Grover later in the day. Visitation was at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Casket bearers were Mike and Nicole Kauss, Monte Koenig, Alison Reinders, Adam and Leah Smith.

Milly was born on May 5, 1927 at Vernon County, the daughter of Fred and Edna (Sternitzke) Schnurr. She attended Trippville State Graded School in Vernon County. Her first marriage took place on Aug. 31, 1946 at Hillsboro to Roy “Bubby” Kauss and he preceded her in death Aug. 17, 1977. Her second marriage took place on Jan. 26, 1980 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford to Donald Smith and he survives. Paid Obituary 93052