Mildred Ferderer

Mildred Ferderer A life well lived… Mildred Ferderer was born September 20, 1920, and passed away on December 10, 2018. Mildred was the proud daughter of Emil and Albina Hokr, born in Kanopolis, Kansas in 1920. She was the oldest of four children. Growing up in the depression, Mildred always remembered the value of living within your means, saving and not wasting. She graduated from Kanopolis High School and went to Brown Mackie College to earn a business degree. Mildred met Christian Ferderer in 1940 while at work.  They married on August 4, 1941, in Lincoln Nebraska. A year later, Sharon was born. Soon their family grew to include three more daughters: Judi, Barbara, and Cathi. Christian passed away in 1953, just nine days before Cathi was born. An independent woman herself, Mildred never remarried. Instead, she dedicated her life to raising her family and instilling in her children the virtues of integrity, honesty and kindness. Being a single mother in that era required frequent sacrifices of her time and often tested her patience, but she did it with grace and dignity. She relied on lots of help from family during this time. She told young mothers that it is better to work while your kids are little—the time you need to be home with them is during the teen years. Mildred worked for the IRS for many years before retiring in 1982. After retirement she enjoyed working out at Genesis Health Club, playing dominoes and visiting her grandchildren. Mildred “Grandma” had a special passion for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to cook their favorite treat—whether that was apple pie, peanut brittle, gumdrop cookies, cinnamon rolls or pecan Danish. Chocolates were a family tradition at Christmastime as well as her traditional German sauerkraut! Mildred was a devout Catholic. Her faith often guided her through difficult times. She was often heard saying “God does not give you more than you can handle.” Mildred was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for more than 75 years—celebrating many family weddings, funerals and Christmas Eve midnight masses in that community. Mildred’s extended family: her sister; niece, Nancy Kandt, and nephew, David Yeager (Kristy), were of utmost importance to her. She valued their comradery and friendship throughout her life. Mildred’s children are grateful to her many family members and friends, and everyone at the Presbyterian Manor and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for their kindness and loving care in her final years and days. Mildred is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Albina Hokr; her husband, Christian; their daughter, Judith, and son-in-law, Bob Lewis. She is the final survivor of her siblings who she adored: Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Yeager, Emil Hoker Jr., and Richard “Dick” Hokr. She is survived by daughter, Sharon Lewis, Barbara Lofgreen (Corey), Cathi Dennis (Roy); grandchildren, Bret Olenberger, Barry Olenberger, Tami Zeferjahn (Jim), Michelle Gangel (Greg), Kristen Turner, Derek Lofgreen (Angie), Christopher Dennis (Amanda), Lacie Coley (Adam) and Joshua Dennis. She adored her great-grandchildren and even has some “2-great” grandchildren. Through them, her legacy of love, spirit and perseverance will live on. Visitation, 10 a.m.; Rosary, 10:30 a.m.; Funeral Mass, 11 a.m., all Saturday, December 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Anthony Catholic Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. At 98, Mildred has truly earned her rest! God bless until we see you again!