Mildred Louise Huffman's Obituary
Mildred Louise Huffman, 91, of rural Moravia died Thursday, July 16 at the home of her son in Des Moines. She was born February 3, 1918 in Des Moines where she attended East High School. Mildred married Warren E. ""Huff"" Huffman of Des Moines on February 24, 1940 in Bethany, MO. They had two children and were married 66 years before Huff's death in 2006.
During WWII, she worked at Monarch Machine and Stamping Co. in Des Moines. After the war, Mildred worked at home raising her children. She earned a novice Amateur Radio License, WA0NZZ, and participated in many ARRL Field Day events around Iowa. She assisted her daughter's Camp Fire Girls' activities, and served as the PTA President at Brooks Elementary where her son attended. Mildred was also an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needlework, giving her children and grandchildren many of her creations.
After she and her husband retired to a rural area outside Moravia, IA, Mildred became an avid gardener who was adept at canning vegetables and fruits. She had a keen eye for hunting mushrooms, and was an accomplished fisherwoman who enjoyed many hours at their farm pond outwitting the largest bass. She thoroughly enjoyed a good book and a spirited game of Uno. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary, Unionville American Legion Post No. 407.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents Ethel Elizabeth Webb Gebard and George Gebard of Des Moines, husband Huff of Moravia, IA, her brother George W. Gebard of Des Moines, sisters Anna Helen Marsh of Denver, CO, and Rebecca Jane Freestone Williams of Yellville, AR. She is survived by her sister Minnie L. Michels, Lakewood, CO; daughter Betty J. Huffman [John L. Vankat] of Flagstaff, AZ, son David G. Huffman [Marlena K.] of Des Moines; grandchildren Amy L. Davis [Christopher T.] of Rochester, MN, Dave A. Huffman [Heather J.] of Moravia, and Kim A. Huffman of Des Moines; step-grandchildren John A. Vankat [Kara] of Boulder, CO and Kara K. Vankat of Austin, TX; great-grandsons Nate and Ben Davis of Rochester, MN; and step-great-grandsons Joey and Pacey Spangenburg of Moravia, IA.
Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, July 22 at 1 PM at the Unionville Cemetery with Pastor Alan Paris officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to American Legion Post No. 407, Unionville, IA and may be left at or mailed to the Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Mildred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mildred?
Share a story where Mildred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mildred you’ll never forget.
How did Mildred make you smile?