Mildred Palenshus

Mildred Lillian Anna Palenshus, 97, longtime Bucyrus resident, died Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus.



Millie was born October 29, 1920 in Reedsburg Twp., Wisconsin. Several years later, she moved to Bucyrus where in 1958, she and her former husband, Otto purchased the Best Western Motel, and later opened Otto’s Dining Room. She kept busy managing the employees and was the one responsible for their famous rhubarb crunch and swiss steaks. Mildred was also proud to have been able to work as an office assistant at her sons’ dental practices.



Millie was the epitome of an active church member and loved her Good Hope Lutheran Church family. In addition to doing anything asked of her, she led the Women of the Church, Circle meetings and Bible studies, served on church council and various committees and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a member of the Mother of Twins Club, Newcomers Club, several card clubs, her Red Hat group, Bucyrus Professional Women and was active with the queen’s pageant during the Bratwurst Festival. Wherever she served, she left a trail of friends.



Time spent with family was priceless. Millie was the beloved grandma to all who knew her, family or not and welcomed them with her warm and loving smile. She was proud to have taught three generations of family to bake her wonderful pies and Millie also enjoyed traveling. She loved serving as a caregiver to others in need.



Mildred is survived by children, Robert (Rhonda) Palenshus and Deborah (Willard) Stamper; daughter-in-law, Carol Palenshus; son, Dr. Ronald (Roxanne) Palenshus; 10 grandchildren, Veronica (Mike) Mathers, Matthew Palenshus, Tracey (Anders) Isaksson, Dirk (Jessica) Palenshus, Christine (Matt) Godenschwager, Ben (Crystal) Stamper, Craig (Heather) Palenshus, Scot (Heather) Palenshus, Chad (Dawn) Palenshus and Tiffany Palenshus as well as 25 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Baumgarten and Ella (Uphoff) Baumgarten Kleinschmidt; one son, Dr. Donald Palenshus, a stillborn daughter and three siblings, Gilbert Baumgarten, Leola Ball and Oscar Baumgarten.



Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, at Wise Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Good Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Renee Ahern and Gene Luidhardt, SAM officiating. Her family will also receive friends one hour prior to her funeral and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Memorial contributions can be made payable to Good Hope Lutheran Church and given through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her Tribute Wall.