Mildred Irene Janke

Mildred Irene (Bestul) Janke, age 97, of Symco, went to her heavenly home Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Residence, New London. She was born in the Town of Helvetia, daughter of the late Alvin and Laura (Moen) Bestul.

On November 16, 1946, Mildred was united in marriage to Louis E. Janke at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Amherst. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage before Louis passed away in 2008.

Mildred and Louis farmed together in the Town of Union for many years. When Louis was the Town Clerk, Mildred was by his side adding her administrative expertise. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and baked many traditional treats. Mildred was also musically talented. She had a beautiful singing voice and the ability to play piano and harmonica by ear. Mildred loved flowers and tending her flower garden. She was also very artistic and would create portraits and life-like drawings.

Mildred was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Symco, where she had taught Vacation Bible School and was a member of Ladies Aid. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mildred is survived by her children: Kay (Dennis) Peterson, Marcia (Carson) Ferg, and Brian Janke; grandchildren: Paula (Robin) Spindler, Michelle (Chris) Widolff, Melinda McClellan (Pete O'Keefe), Kimberly (Ryan) Kamke, Brent (Josephine) Janke, and Brandon Janke. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson Brad Glocke; sister Viola (Les) Boelter; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The funeral service for Mildred will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Symco, with Rev. Jeffrey Smiles officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Symco. Visitation for Mildred will be held at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.