Mildred was born on July 25th, 1933 in Victoria, Texas to the late Hermann J. Vogt and Rose (Weber) Vogt. She attended Nazareth Academy and graduated from Patti Welder High School.
In 1952, she married Donald Paul Farek, and together they welcomed into the world Robert Wayne in 1952, Marilyn Ann in 1955, and Diane Rose in 1958. As their children grew, their home became the house where everyone wanted to be. From slumber parties to family parties to casual hangouts, Mildred loved welcoming and hosting anyone and everyone, and their home was always open. However, when it was time to go, she had no qualms about kicking you out!
In 1962, she started a job in retail at Sears, sparking a lifelong career and passion for clothing, accessories, and especially shoes. After many years of perfecting her eye for style and detail at Sears, she started at Leon’s, where she was proud to help dress the fashionable women of Victoria. For many years it was not uncommon for Mildred to not only question you about your shoes, but perhaps even (correctly!) guess your shoe size. It was the highlight of her career to be given the opportunity to go to Dallas Market Center as a buyer. Mildred’s keen eye and love for fashion was apparent in every carefully styled outfit and accessory she wore, which she always finished off with a spritz or two of her signature scent, Estee Lauder Youth Dew.
Family was everything to Mildred, and she was so proud of the family she and Donald built together over the years. In 1974, when their first grandchild was born, they became MawMaw and PawPaw. MawMaw called all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren “MawMaw’s Sweet Angels” and we all did our best to live up to that heavenly standard! When she was around her family, her huge smile and mirthful laughs were indicative of how truly happy she was to be surrounded by those she loved most.
In 1988, Donald and Mildred built their dream house and farm in Mission Valley, where they raised cattle and cultivated pecan crops. This piece of land quickly became the beloved gathering place for their growing family. Any of their children and grandchildren could tell you stories of barbeques at MawMaw and PawPaw’s under the gigantic live oak tree, driving down to the Guadalupe river bottom to fish or swim, helping tend the herd of cattle (who were lovingly referred to as “the girls”), early morning deer hunts in freezing temperatures, wonderfully loud and lively Christmases, and so many beautiful moments in between. MawMaw loved her home, gardening in her yard, collecting rocks and arrowheads by the river, and still, so many years later, opening her home to family and friends.
After 49 years of marriage, Donald passed away and Mildred sold her beloved farm. She moved to town and years later reunited with an old neighbor, Royce Lee. They married and together they found happiness in each other’s company, traveling the state, and visiting friends and family. Due to health reasons, they parted ways, however remained an integral part of each other’s hearts.
MawMaw will be remembered by her style, her strength, her devotion to her faith and God, and her absolute, unconditional love for her family. While “MawMaw’s Sweet Angels” will miss her terribly, we draw comfort in knowing our MawMaw is watching over us from above.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of South Texas, Annie Schaefer for being a lovely friend and companion to Mildred, and caretakers Maria and Jennifer at Twin Pines North for taking exceptional care of their mother and grandmother.
Mildred is survived by her son Robert Farek and daughter-in-law Bonda, grandchildren Donnie Farek and wife Megan, Michelle Tullis and husband Dean, Heather Weaver and husband Chauncey, Dustin Willemin and wife Amber, Justin Willemin and wife Haley; daughter Marilyn Callan-Kurtz, grandchildren Jennifer Flores and husband Ray, Mary Garcia and husband Victor, and Robbie Callan; daughter Diane Hurdle and husband Mike, grandchildren Allison Brendel and husband Brian, Brittany Ewing and husband Ryan; as well as many great-grandchildren; brother Don Vogt and wife Margaret; brother Herman Vogt and wife Madeline.
Mildred is preceded in death by parents Herman J. Vogt and Rose Weber Vogt; husband Donald Farek; husband Royce Lee; siblings Rose Kloesel, David Vogt, Alma Lee Marhsall, and Joyce Sparks; daughter-in-law Monica Farek; sons-in-law Robert Stephen Callan, Sr. and Raymond Eugene Kurtz.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Victoria, Texas Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by lunch in Luther Hall at noon. Burial service will be at 2:00 pm at Evergreen Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John-Michael Turner, Jordan Flores, Trey Brendel, Kai Farek, Dennis Groll, and Bill Salge. Honorary pallbearers are JT Turner, Rob Callan III, Keedan Farek, Colt Tullis, Leo Ewing, and Milo Ewing.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity Lutheran Church.
