Having lived a very full and active life, Mildred Engelmeyer was called to be with the Lord on June 12, 2019. She passed away at the Burke Community Hospital at the age of 96 years, 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days. Until the very last she was living by herself, driving wherever she pleased, doing most everything she wanted, and to no one's surprise, her mind was as sharp as it had ever been.
Mildred was the third oldest of six children born to James and Anna (Lapour) Hlavka. She grew up on the family farm East of Gregory, SD. She attended rural school until the 6th grade. She spent the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Gregory living with her grandmother. The summer of her freshman year she worked as a nanny caring for 3 small children, while also doing farm chores and milking cows. While in high school she worked at Molly's Café in Gregory to earn money for clothes. As a youth during the Great Depression, times were very difficult for her and her family. Mildred's father would take the family to Yankton every year before the start of school to buy each a pair of shoes that would have to last them the whole year. This bothered Mildred so much that in later years, she would always buy shoes whenever she went shopping.
After high school, Mildred received her teaching certificate from Springfield College and taught country school for two years. During this time, she became reacquainted with an older childhood friend who passed notes to her through his younger siblings, whom she was instructing. Mildred married Joseph Charles "JC" Engelmeyer on February 3, 1945 and they were married for 61 wonderful years, until Joe's passing in 2007. Together they farmed and ranched on the homestead North of Burke. To this union two children were born, Dennis (Aggie) from Watertown, SD and Carol (Myron) Johnson of Burke.
Mildred was heavily involved in the farming operation; from raising chickens, to milking cows, not to forget the many, many home-cooked meals - she did it all. Seldom was there a meal that did not involve a fresh baked pie or cake, along with a large variety of food. Seldom also was a meal without a cattle buyer, salesman, trucker, and even an occasional mail carrier present at the table. Everyone knew that Mildred would have a delicious meal with plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Mildred was also instrumental in organizing the local Cattlewomen's Club to help promote beef consumption. She remained a very active member right up until her death – and just recently was named an honorary cattlewoman by her club. She was also a very active member of the Catholic Altar Society; always willing to prepare a meal, do dishes, or offer advice. Mildred enjoyed traveling around the country. Many trips were taken to various spots around the country. Visiting relatives in Omaha and family reunions in Missouri were definitely something to look forward to. A lifelong card player, Mildred looked forward in her later years to the Thursday card games held at the Senior Citizens Center. Many will also remember her for the many years of bowling.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her sisters and their spouses: Olga and Erwin Flakus, Anna and Harold Schunemann, Marie and Rueben Iden, her brother and his spouse Milo and Lorraine Hlavka, brother-in-laws John Engelmeyer and Paul Rust, and sister-in-laws Pauline Rust and Delores Hlavka . She was also preceded by two nephews, Larry Flakus, Stephen Hlavka, and a niece, Debra Iden. She is survived by her brother, James Hlavka of Arizona, her children Dennis and Carol, 7 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a prayer service and rosary on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the funeral home and church.