Mildred Leona (Fink) Jecklin

Mildred Leona (Fink) Jecklin, age 105, passed away January 15, 2020 in Freeport, IL. She has lived in Mt. Morris, IL since 1994.

Millie was born July 16, 1914 on her parent’s farm south of Chadwick the daughter of Leonard and Amelia (Zinnel) Fink.

She graduated from Chadwick High School in 1931 and then attended Northern State Teachers College. (Now known as Northern Illinois University.) In the 1960’s she attended Pestalozzi Froebel Teachers College in Chicago earning a Bachelor of Education in 1970. She taught in a rural school and then elementary in Milledgeville, Polo, and Thomson for many years to close out her career. She was fascinated with children and had a true desire to converse with them and learn their thoughts.

Mildred married Fred Jecklin of Polo, IL on August 21, 1945 at the First Ev. Lutheran Church in Chadwick. Fred died on May 17, 2000. Millie and Fred were fortunate to enjoy good health in retirement. They traveled and had wonderful times with kids and grandkids and enjoyed being together.

She and Fred were blessed with two sons Tom (Kathy) Jecklin of Bloomington, IL and Dave (Kari) Jecklin, Morgantown, WV. Millie has 8 grandchildren – Matt (Kristy), Mandy (Scott), Marty, Alissa (Robert), Zach (Caitlin), Kallie (Drew), Adam and Bryce and 6 great grandchildren -- Anna, Christian, Brendan, Lauren, Levi and Lenora.

Mildred was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church in Chadwick. She taught Sunday School for many years, helped with Altar Guild and Bible School. She was a member of the Golden Rule Missionary Society.

She was a life member of the Illinois Education Association and the Retired Teachers Association. Mildred was a member of Delta Alpha Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Millie was given a lifetime membership in the Thomson PTO when she retired. She was a member of the local Women’s Republican Club and a 50-year member of the Chadwick Woman’s Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 55 years, her parents and her only sibling – brother Edwin Fink of Montana. The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on January 20, 2020 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick, with Rev. Chris Stienstra officiating. Burial will be at the Chadwick Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 AM prior to the funeral at First Lutheran, Chadwick.

In lieu of flowers memorials have been established at First Lutheran Church, PO Box 188, Chadwick, IL 61014 or Pinecrest Manor, 414 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.