Mildred McLeese

Mildred (Wilkinson) McLeese, 95, of Decatur, MI passed away at Bronson Commons in Mattawan, MI on Thursday April 25, 2019. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel 83313 M51, Decatur, Michigan. Mildred was born on Dec. 20, 1923 in Beaverton, MI to the late Irvin and Alice (Hughes) Wilkinson. She moved to Hartford in 1938 after her mother's death and was a graduate of Hartford High School in 1941. Mildred was very proud of serving her country during WWII in the Women's Army Corps. On July 5, 1947, in Decatur, she married Joe Brewster McLeese. Mildred and her late husband were diary farmers in Decatur for many years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Decatur; a member of the Farm Bureau; and a former member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Mildred enjoyed gardening and especially spending time with her loving family and her many friends. Mildred is survived by her six sons Robert (Marge), John (Charlene), Michael, Donald, Timothy (Janet), and Kenneth (Julie); seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a sister Mary Gonder of Interlochen, MI; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband Joe McLeese on May 8, 2004, and siblings Magdalene, Robert, Dwight, Vernon and Victor. A Memorial Service celebrating Mildred's life will be held on Sat., May 18, 1:00PM, at Newell Chapel, with Pastor James Abshagen and Pastor Katie Hartwell officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI. The McLeese family will receive friends at Newell Chapel home two hours preceding the service from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Decatur or to the Animal's Best Friend Fund Inc. P.O. Box 443, Oshtemo, MI. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com