Mildred Vinke

June 20, 1922 - March 15, 2020

Mildred Elva Vinke, age 97, was born on June 20,1922 in Baroda, MI and passed away on March 15, 2020 at Bickford Assisted Living in Lansing, MI. Mildred grew up on a farm where she worked in the fields and picked berries, as well as helped with the care of her siblings. Her faith and church were of utmost importance in her life. Mildred was a hard worker who in her early adult life cleaned houses, worked for Voice of Music, a manufacturer of record players and reel-to-reel tape recorders, and as a secretary for a small-town insurance agency. After her marriage to Casey, she was able to focus her time and talents in service to others, volunteering with her church at nursing homes. She found great joy in spending time with her family and her church family. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Loens and Rose (Ott) Strauss; brother, Harold (Jane) Strauss; sister, Marion (Emil) Pihulic; first husband of 30 years, Robert George Jensen (1921-1973); second husband of 40 years, Cornelius (Casey) Vinke (1930-2015); step-daughter, Betty Jean Vinke; and one step-grandchild. She is survived by her sister, Marjorie Ehlert; son, Robert (Kathleen) Jensen; daughter, Sandra Case; step-children: Daniel (Debra) Vinke, David (Wilna) Vinke, and Mary (Ben) Andrews; and many grandchildren; and many more great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. A private graveside service will be held to honor Mildred’s life. Michigan arrangements are entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. (517) 878-1116. Indiana arrangements are entrusted to Memory Lane Funeral Home, 6305 W. Lincoln Highway (US 30), Crown Point, IN 46307. (219) 322-2050.