In the early morning hours of Monday, July 11, 2016, Mildred Wesche Robertson, age 94, died surrounded by those who loved her and cared for her during her long battle with dementia. She had played her last game of Solitaire and written her last letter to her grandchildren. Mildred prepared her children for life by her example. She loved her family unconditionally and supported them during the challenges in their lives and celebrated all of their accomplishments. Mildred was born to Raymond and Gladys McIntyre on Monday, May 8, 1922, in West Olive, Michigan. She graduated valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School in 1940, and just one year later, married Raymond Wesche. Together, they owned a farm on 18 Mile Road, just east of Algoma Avenue. It was there she raised her family, taught them the value of a good education, and to put in a day’s work for a day’s pay. Those values are now being honored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every week they were in college, she would handwrite each of them a letter with encouragement and immeasurable love. Mildred worked for Rockford State Bank and for Wolverine Worldwide. She loved her community and was very active in it. When time allowed, she loved to read, crochet, and was an avid crafter and puzzler. Mildred was also an adventurous woman. She traveled often with her second husband, Earl Robertson, and even went whitewater rafting with her family at the young age of 81. Mildred is survived by her children, Ronald (Marcella) Wesche, Joyce (John) Hansen, Kenneth Wesche, and Nancy (Tim) Gerlich; daughter-in-law, Alice Wesche; grandchildren Brian Wesche, Krista (Jason) Noel, Andy (Tonya) Wesche, Aaron (Agnes) Wesche, Amy Marie Lovall, Alissa Wesche, Randy Wesche, Amy Michelle (Greg) Tribe, James Hansen, and Jeff (Sara) Hansen; great grandchildren, Jacob, Shane, Harleigh, Karissa, Alex, Logan, Ava, Kai, Zane, Pierce, Faith, Kimberly, Brittany, and Candice; one great-great granddaughter, Izabellah; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved members of the Wesche family. In addition, she is survived by her special caregiver, Marlene Downes; and her faithful visitors, Michael Barwacz, and Keira and Kayla Painter, who will love and remember their “Pinkie” forever. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Raymond Wesche on January 30, 1967, and Earl Robertson on August 16, 1994; son Milford “Mick” Wesche; brothers and sister, Lawrence (Ardath) McIntyre, Bob (Marie) McIntyre, Don (Doris) McIntyre, Jim (Kletis) McIntyre, Edna (Harvey) Hyde; sister-in-law Ida (Ralph) Hineline; and brother-in-law Gus Wesche. There will be a time of visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Mildred will be celebrated by Pastor Steve Lindeman at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2016, at Pederson Funeral Home. There will be an additional time of visitation, one hour prior to the service. Mildred will be laid to rest in Solon Township Cemetery. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 966, Grand Blanc, MI 48480.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford
