Mildred F. Walkenhorst

Mildred (Mickey) Faye Walkenhorst, daughter of Otto Scheer and Charlotte Elizabeth Sauer Scheer, was born on July 22, 1931 in Madison, Nebraska and she passed peacefully on February 10, 2025 at age 93. She had two brothers - Edgar and Aaron, and two sisters - Lillian and Fawn. Mickey married Wayne Charles Walkenhorst on December 4, 1949 and they are survived by three children: Peggy Fairfield, Teresa Walkenhorst and James Walkenhorst. The family expanded to include three grandchildren: Angela Hilsabeck, Ashley Remeza, and Erinn Spinowitz. Five great grandchildren: Jackson Hilsabeck, Sidney Hilsabeck, Mickey Spinowitz, Cleo Spinowitz, and Dalia Remeza. Mickey was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Walkenhorst, brothers Aaron Scheer and Edgar Scheer and sister Lillian Barnes.

The Great Depression shaped Mickey’s values and priorities into a passionate belief that nothing is more important than family. She sewed many dresses and costumes and was a Den Mother for Jim’s Cub Scouts. She baked countless birthday cakes and never missed a birthday or holiday event and was usually hosting the festivities. The annual Christmas Cookie baking and decorating included everyone and the grandchildren were baptized into the glory of bowls and bowls of frosting, sprinkles, candy cane cookies, and date cookies, etc. Frosting was everywhere and then Valentino’s would top off the event with an enormous pizza delivery.

Mickey once asked how we would contribute to society. Too young to grasp the enormity of the question it is now clearer as an adult how important that question was. She was a staunch volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for over 25 years and was honored for her service. She was also a loyal volunteer for the Lied Center for many years. She was always dependable and cheerful in her volunteering. Mickey worked for several years for the Lincoln Public Schools and tutored young students helping them learn the English language.

Lake life at Capitol Beach was one of the many highlights of Mickey’s life. The annual July 4th celebration meant a champagne toast at 2 PM after hoisting the American flag with Whitney Houston’s beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner filling our hearts with love and patriotism. Wayne had the grill fired up and a spectacular display of fireworks ensued after dark. We were sunburned, full and happy. Family and friends were always welcome! The more the merrier!

Family events included aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, grand kids and the entire clan. Camping, a gong show, camporee, tail mark cards and family reunions were the events that kept this family together. Special trips with the sisters - Mickey, Fawn, Jackie (wife of Edgar Scheer) and Lillian - to dinner theaters, shopping and casinos were only a few of their adventures.

Mickey was an avid bridge player and had belonged to several bridge groups. Bridge buddies and friends from the 53rd Street neighborhood and The Red Hats were included in her circle of friends. She was truly interested in them and their lives and appreciated the friendships they offered.

Mickey was intelligent, witty, funny and loved learning. She prepared for trips to Europe by taking Art History classes with her grand daughter, Angie, at the University of Nebraska. She enjoyed many of the OLLI classes and loved her travels. She surprised her family by giving Christmas hints asking for books on astronomy. She loved to read and if she had kept every book she read she could have opened her own library.

Mickey believed the family sticking together through thick and through thin was paramount. No matter what happened she always supported her family in every possible way. She will always reside in our hearts and minds and always be present when we’re together. Thank you for the wonderful memories and love you have given us!

Mickey supported The Lied Center and Friendship Home if you would like to support these organizations with a memorial donation.

Mickey's wishes was to have a private family service. May leave condolences at lincolnfh.com