DeKalb - Mildred Kaczmarek, age 96 of DeKalb died Friday May 26th, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin February 10th, 1927, the daughter of Harry and Faye (Paisley) Ristow. She married Claude (Kaz) Kaczmarek June 10th, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mildred attended schools in La Crosse and Madison for her early education. She graduated from La Crosse Teacher’s College in 1948 and had a long career in education, having taught in Sheboygan, Hillsboro, and Evansville in Wisconsin. When the family moved to DeKalb, she completed Library Science course work at NIU and was a librarian at Rochelle High School until retiring in 1983.
After retirement, Mildred did volunteer work at Kishwaukee Community Hospital for many years. She was an avid reader; loved crossword puzzles. She enjoyed all sports, especially tennis and later golfing in DeKalb Park District leagues. She was devoted to her loving family and dear friends.
She is survived by her son Mark (Kathy) Kaczmarek of Davenport, Iowa; her daughter Kay Kaczmarek-Land of San Diego, California; two grandchildren----- Chelsea Kaczmarek of Brooklyn, New York, and Zachary (Alicia) Kaczmarek, three greatgrandchildren Ruby, Lucy and Finn all of Indianola, Iowa; her sister Eleanor Mack, her niece Dr. Margaret (Mack) Tempero and her husband Dr. Richard Tempero, all of Santa Rosa, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband.
There will be no funeral, but her children will hold an informal celebration of Millie’s life at an announced future date in DeKalb. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery with a private family ceremony.
The Family would like to thank Senior Star Elmore Place and Genesis Hospice for all the compassionate and loving care they shared with Millie.
Please feel free to donate to the DeKalb Public Library in lieu of flowers or memorials.
