Mildred Simmelink

Mildred passed away peacefully the morning of August 7th, 2023, after a long, full life, well lived and filled with the love of her family. In her 101 years, "Mickey" raised a family, worked countless hours on the farm, sewed more outfits and stuffed animals than you can imagine, was married twice, perfected her pie baking skills, traveled to Texas, New Orleans, and Hawaii, was a grandmother to 5 and a great-grandmother to 11. She will be remembered by nearly everyone as one of the sweetest ladies you ever met.

She was born in 1922 and graduated from Downs High School. In September of 1945 she married Woodrow "Woody" Ulin and they bought a farm near Hunter and raised their children Larry and Twila. The farm was the place where many happy memories were made during the summer when her kids and grandkids would come home to help with the summer wheat harvest.

After the death of her husband Woody in 1988, Mildred continued to live on the farm until she was reunited with an old high school friend, Ernest "Ernie" Simmelink, and in April of 1991, they were married. They spent several happy years together, traveling and spending their winters in Texas, until Ernie's death in 2005.

To say that she was resilient would be an understatement. She survived two bouts with cancer, lost two husbands, lost two children, and moved several times as she aged. Through all those adversities she was still able to live life with joy. She especially cherished visits from her granddaughter Amber and her three great-grandchildren who lived down the street from her care center.

She was preceded in death by her husband Woodrow, her second husband, Ernie, her son-in-law Dennis, her daughter Twila, and her son, Larry. She is survived by her daughter in law, Carolyn, her grandchildren Larry (Christa) Ulin of Derby, Michael Ulin of Wichita, Brian (Tara) Zachgo of Fort Atkinson, WI, Kelly (Laura) Zachgo of Wamego, Amber (Scott) Krier of Beloit, and her eleven great-grandchildren Madison, Hayden, Nolan, Evan, Ashlyn, Katie, Molly, Claire, Toryn, Ainsley and Hanston.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, August 14 at the Grace Chapel in Hunter. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 3-4:30 PM Sunday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or Resident Care Center.