Mildred E. Koontz (102) formerly of Mode

Mildred E. Koontz, 102, formerly of Mode, IL passed away at 8:02 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, IL.

Mildred was born on October 3, 1918, near Mode, the daughter of Bruce and Metta (Hoagland) Koontz. Mildred attended the Old Mode School and graduated from Stewardson High School in 1938. She had worked as a cook for a family in Evanston at age 15 and at Gordon’s Hotel, along Lake Michigan, at age 16. She received her cosmetology license in 1939. Mildred operated a beauty shop in Stewardson in 1940, then moved to Chicago where she operated a beauty shop at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Early in the 1960’s she returned to the farm, to take care of her parents, and never left. She married Trevor Clink in 1951 and they later divorced in 1954.

Mildred is survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and seven brothers and sisters: Geneva Byer, William Koontz, Wesley Koontz, Gwen Koontz, Bernice Gerhard, Verna Morrison, and Earl Koontz.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 in Stewardson Cemetery with Reverend David Ducommon officiating. Memorials may be made in Mildred’s name to the Stewardson Historical Society or the donor’s favorite charity and mailed to Brummerstedt Funeral Home, %Mildred Koontz, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Mildred’s honor by clicking here.