Mildred (Ihnen) Flessner

Mildred completed life’s journey and went home to the Lord on July 17, 2024.

Mildred was born November 17, 1929 in Champaign County, the only child of Wilke and Tena (Busboom) Ihnen.  She was raised in the Flatville area and lived her adult years in Rantoul.  On April 4, 1948, she married the love of her life, Wilbur Flessner.  They shared 70 wonderful years together.  Early in their marriage, Wilbur contracted polio and Mildred dedicated her life to his care.

Surviving family members include one daughter, Brenda Hatfield Sorensen (Cliff) and two grandchildren, Stephen Henderson (Sandra) and Sarah Hatfield.  She is also survived by five great grandchildren: Eleanor, Audrey, Graham, and Elizabeth Henderson as well as Benjamin Hanson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur, their daughter, Bonnie Henderson, and grandson, Benjamin Hatfield.  Mildred was also preceded in death by Lewis Roelfs who was raised by her parents and like a brother to her.

Mildred chose to live a simple life.  She cherished her family, her faith as a lifelong Lutheran, and her great grandchildren whom she lovingly referred to as her “little ploomies.”

Services will be held at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul on Saturday, July 27th.  Visitation will begin at 10 AM.  The service begins at 11 AM followed by burial at Eden Park Cemetery.  Gifts to honor her memory can be given to American Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank her nephew, Tim Clink, for giving Mildred many joyful excursions to Arby’s for a “little sandwich.”  They also wish to thank Country Health nursing home in Gifford for providing loving care and numerous bingo games to Mildred in her final years.  The family is grateful for the many acts of Christian love shown her by the American Lutheran Church community.