Mildred Lois (Millie) Stagemeyer passed away September 1, 2023, at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska at the age of ninety-three.
Millie was born on June 28, 1930, one of three children, born to Ludwig and Anna (Thumm) Rieker in Frontier County, Nebraska. She was baptized on July 7, 1930, and confirmed on April 4, 1944, at St. John Lutheran Church in Eustis, Nebraska. She graduated from Eustis High School in 1948 and began teaching at a rural country school in Frontier County.
Millie married Donald Stagemeyer on July 30, 1950. To this union were born three children: Sharon, Douglas, and Rodney.
Millie served as the Gosper County Deputy Treasurer for several years and as the school Secretary at Elwood Public Schools for 24 years.
As a lifelong member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Elwood, Millie taught Sunday School and Midweek School. She served as an officer for the LWML and for Lutheran Brotherhood and was a coordinator for Thrivent fundraisers.
Millie enjoyed her family, her grandchildren and her many great-grandchildren, playing bridge and other card games. She enjoyed numerous tours around the United States and to Europe with friends and her cousin Evelyn Davis. Millie was an avid gardener and spent many hours caring for her beautiful flowers and faithfully feeding her birds.
After retirement, Millie loved baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and German pretzels to share with residents of the Elwood Care Center, visitors to the Senior Center, neighbors, family, and friends.
Millie suffered a stroke in March 2022 and after her release from the hospital, she made her home at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad, Nebraska. Millie moved to the Elwood Care Center in April 2023 where she lived until present.
Millie is survived by her children; Sharon (Brad) Fong of Woodbury, MN, Doug (Julie) Stagemeyer of Ashland, NE, Rodney (Judy) Stagemeyer of North Platte, NE, 8 grandchildren; Erica Ross, Derek Fong, Matthew (Suzanna) Stagemeyer, Nathan (Amanda) Fong, Pamela Haschke, Ryan (Courtney) Stagemeyer, Cody (Miranda) Stagemeyer and Shelby Stagemeyer, 15 great-grandchildren, her sister; Anita Fagot and her brother; Raymond Rieker, one sister-in-law; Shirley Stagemeyer and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Millie was preceded in death by her mother and father, one sister-in-law; Virginia Rieker, two brothers-in-law; Paul Fagot and Owen Stagemeyer.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Millie’s memory to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Mildred’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with Pastor Aaron Witt officiating. Private burial will be at Elwood Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.