Mildred A. Schmittling

Mildred Alma Schmittling (née Fenske) received the gift of life on September 19, 1926, and became a child of God through Holy Baptism shortly thereafter. By 1929, the death of her mother, Emily Pasche Fenske resulted in Mildred’s separation from her brothers and sisters. Her father, Fred Fenske, arranged for the care of his children, and for Mildred, this meant a new life in the loving care of the Kinski family. She attended public school in Dearborn, graduating from Fordson High School in 1944. More importantly, the Kinskis saw to young Mildred’s spiritual welfare by bringing her faithfully to St.Matthew Lutheran Church in Detroit, where she received the Gospel message and was confirmed. It was through the St. Matthew Walter League she met and eventually married her beloved “Smitty” (Herman J. Schmittling) on June 18, 1949. Their marriage was blessed with two children (Karen and Mark) and later with five grandchildren (Leslie, Brenda, Andrea, Samuel, and Ryan). Millie and Smitty were active church members; even after Smitty’s death in 1999, Mildred remained a faithful attendee at St. Matthew until the church finally closed its doors. She and a number of other members found their new church home at Our Savior Lutheran in Westland. Millie commuted to church from her Dearborn home until health concerns made a move to independent living In Presbyterian Village of Westland necessary. Here she also found new friends and maintained her church connection through gracious members who offered rides to church and Bible class, as her health permitted.

Millie’s earthly journey was filled with typical joys and sorrows. She outlived both her parents and all her siblings (3 sisters and 4 brothers) and much of Smitty’s family as well. She was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with a large surprise party and several birthdays beyond. It was her joy to welcome her great granddaughter Norah Michelle in 2017 as well as Sammy (2016) and Owen (2018) Long and Charlotte Long (2018). On Saturday, August 29, the Lord Jesus called her soul to live In eternity with Him and the saints in heaven. Millie is still beloved by many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and numerous friends. God be praised for the earthly life of Mildred Alma Schmittling!