Mildred Diekman, age 88 of Clear Lake, SD, died peacefully Friday morning, April 20, 2012, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, following a short illness.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake. Burial with military rites by Charles Curry Post #49 will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Clear Lake.
Mildred was born to Frank and Milla Hanson on Feb 2, 1924, near Clear Lake. She grew up in the Altamont/Goodwin area and as a teenager moved to California to be a shipyard welder during World War II. At age 20, she achieved her dream of joining the U.S. Navy. She served at Naval Air Station Hutchinson, Kansas, for the duration of WWII. Returning home to the Hidewood Valley near Clear Lake, she met John Diekman and they married February 14, 1947. They raised five children on their family farm, where Mildred resided until her death.
A long time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, American Legion, and Farmer's Union, she could always be counted on to help out at various events--and usually win the door prizes. She enjoyed people watching and playing slot machines at area casinos. She will be remembered for her cheerful attitude and friendly smile, her "nothing to complain about" and "life is good" comments, and her belief that things always work out for the best.
Mildred is survived by four children, Keith Diekman, Diane Diekman, Lorraine Paver, and Ronald Diekman; four grandchildren, Casey Paver, Kellen Paver, April Diekman, and Amanda Diekman; and one great-grandchild, Liem Paver.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Kenneth, grandson Cody Paver, son-in-law Carl Paver, and her 15 brothers and sisters.
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