Mildred Arlene Therkildsen, age 86, of 865 Simmons Ave. SE, Huron, died Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at Avera Mother Josephs Manor in Aberdeen, SD.

Her funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2009, at the American Lutheran Church in Huron with burial at the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron.

Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, at Welter Funeral Home with the family present from 7-8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m.; or Monday morning one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mildred Arlene Schmidt, the daughter of Ernest H. and Clara E. (Hardie) Schmidt was born on July 27, 1923 in Tulare Township, SD. Mildred was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Crandon, SD. She attended school and graduated from Tulare High School in 1941. Mildred also attended Dakota Wesleyan University graduating in 1943 with an Associate Degree in Teaching. She was also a cheerleader for both Tulare and DWU. Mildred married Melvin Therkildsen on July 14, 1945 at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redfield, SD. Mildred was a school teacher for 7 years, teaching at Ashton Country School, Harold School, Custer Township of Huron, and Jefferson Elementary School in Huron. She then decided to stay at home and raise her family.

Mildred was a member of the American Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for several years. She was also a member of the VFW (Life Member) Auxiliary, I.B.E.W., NARFE, AARP, and worked as a RSVP volunteer for the Senior Citizens Center. Mildred was president of the Jefferson Elementary School P.T.A. and was active in both the Cub Scouts and the Brownies while her children were growing up. She also bowled for the King Pin League for several years. Mildred was the recipient of the Gold Presidential Service Award for Volunteering in 2006.

Mildred was a great fan of both the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. Mildred also enjoyed collecting frog memorbilia, birdwatching, sewing, crocheting, embroidery, playing bingo, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her three children: Wayne (Pamela) Therkildsen of Rapid City, SD, Darnell (Craig) Oberle of Mellette, SD, and Brian Therkildsen, of Huron, SD; daughter-in-law, Donna (Therkildsen) DePerte of Black Hawk, SD; son- in-law, Donald Frye, Carrington, ND; eight grandchildren; Emily (Elliott) DeSousa, Nick Frye, Tonja (Mike) Jungwirth, Christine (Tony) Sheridan, Daron Therkildsen, Heather Therkildsen, Desa (Josh) Larson, and Casey Oberle; 5 great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Amelia, and Ian Jungwirth, and Chloe and Preslie Sheridan; sister, Marvine (Paul) Roeber of Redfield, SD; brother-in-law, Fred Case of Redfield, SD; sister-in-law Mary Ann Wendel, of Valley City, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin in 1998; son, Kerry Therkildsen in 1991; her daughter, Marcia Frye in 1999; her parents; brother, Walter Schmidt; and two sisters, Hazel Case and Maxine (Floyd) Beardemphl.