Mildred Franke, 97, a long time Alton resident was born May 4, 1914 in Kansas City, Missouri to Dessie (McAllister) Wilson and Harry D. Wilson and died peacefully on October 5, 2011 at Granite Nursing and Rehab in Granite City.

Mildred's work life was varied and included many years with Ersnt Insurance Agency in downtown Alton. She later had a tailoring and alterations shop in Upper Alton. She was an ardent volunteer for her church and community. She shared her gifts of teaching and organizing, her artistry in sewing, crocheting, knitting, entertaining and cooking with her family and friends. A dear sister and aunt, she enjoyed travel, history, reading, writing, good conversation, laughter and fun.

During World War II, while her husband, (Alfred) Emile Franke served in the Army, Mildred served in the Marine Corps and was one of the oldest women World War II veterans in Illinois. She had the honor of participating in many local parades and being featured in newspaper articles about her war service. She kept in touch with many of the women she served with and attended the dedication of the Women's Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D. C. in 1997.

In addition to her parents, step mother, Elizabeth (Green) Wilson, and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, bothers and their spouses: Ann (Jack) Norman , Edith (Kenneth) Scoggins, Dorothy (Armel) Holshouser, Maxine (Bob) Ufert, Helen Wilson, Harry H. (Edna) Wilson, Jack (Delores) Wilson and a brother-in-law, Jeanno Yakubian. She is survived by her sister, Betty Yakubian of Houston, Texas, many nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be a visitation for family and friends on Friday morning, October 14th at 10 o'clock followed by a memorial service at 11 o'clock at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1702 Clawson Street, Alton, Illinois. Pastor Emeritus George Humbert will officiate. A private burial at Valhalla Memorial Park was arranged by Gent Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, any desired contributions are requested for the College Avenue Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who helped Mildred at The Fountains IV, Glenhaven Gardens of Alton, Granite Nursing and Rehab and Heartland Hospice.


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