Mildred Ziegelmann

Mildred "Millie" Ziegelmann, age 95, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away on November 18, 2025, with her family at her side. Born on December 18, 1929, in Hankinson, North Dakota. Millie’s life was marked by love, family, faith, and an unwavering sense of community.

Millie met the love of her life, Howard, when she was just 14 years old. Their journey together culminated in a beautiful marriage on June 13, 1948, a union that lasted nearly 62 years until Howard's passing. Together they cultivated not only a loving household but a deep connection with the community around them. Millie deeply cherished her relationship with Howard's sister, Hazel, whom she thought of as the sister she never had.

A pillar of strength and warmth, Millie was dearly loved. Her faith played a central role in her life; she embraced her spiritual journey wholeheartedly, as evidenced by her practice of table prayer at every meal - first in German then in English and a prayer in German at bedtime. Millie was a caring member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, ND, where she loved singing the hymns and engaged in various church activities, including serving on the Ladies Aid and assisting Howard with custodial work.

Even beyond her church community, Millie was a true people person, always known for her radiant smile and generous heart. Her devotion extended into her loving involvement with the Head Start Foster Grandparent program in Wahpeton for over ten years. Here, she proudly embraced her role as "Grandma Millie" to countless children, bringing joy to their lives and tears of happiness to her eyes each time she was out and about or in a store and heard a little voice call out "Hi, Grandma Millie!"

Millie loved the simple things in her life; playing cards, doing jigsaw puzzles, dancing, singing along with Steve Worner when he'd come in to entertain the residents; she LOVED playing bingo and visiting with people.

Millie’s greatest joy was in her family. She was a devoted mother to her three children: Steven (Cheryl), Lynette (Gene Weyer) Bladow, and though departed, Cynthia Krutsinger, who is survived by her husband, Kevin. Millie’s legacy continues to flourish through her 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Each member of her family holds a piece of her heart and treasured memories of her love and spirit.

Those left to cherish Millie’s memory are:

Son-in-law Kevin and the late Cindy Krutsinger’s family which includes Michael Widhalm (Jodi Widhalm), Alicia (John) White, Tessa, Aurora Millie, and Philip; James Widhalm; and Russ Widhalm.

Steven and Cheryl Ziegelmann’s family which includes Chris (Trista) Ziegelmann, Nolan, Paxton, and Halle; Nikki Marohl, Gavin and Kieran; Jessica Ziegelmann; Aaron Ziegelmann; Jason Krause, Aubree; Jonathan Krause; Jordan (Jennie) Krause, Walter.

Lyn (Gene Weyer) Bladow’s family which includes Megan Bladow (Lucky Jayasuriya) and Greta Jayasuriya; AJ (Karissa) Weyer, Natalie and Lincoln; Kim (Ryan) Olson; Eric (Erinn) Bladow, Ethan, Ember, Evan, Edge, and Ean.                                              Numerous nieces and nephews and all whom she called ‘friend.’

Millie was preceded in death by her loving husband Howard, her daughter Cindy, her son-in-law Philip Widhalm, her parents Herman and Erna Wendt, her brothers Ray, Arnie and Norman, and her grandsons Jon and Justin Krause.

Millie Ziegelmann will be sorely missed, but her memory will forever remain a beacon of love and inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Catherine’s Living Center, The Leach Home, and CHI Hospice for the extraordinary care Millie received during her time with them.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, ND, with a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Brock Schmeling will officiate. Burial service will take place at a future date.

As we remember Millie’s legacy of love and kindness, let us carry forward the lessons of compassion and connection that she so beautifully exemplified throughout her life.