Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
Mildred Whetsell Crane
Ozaukee Press
Port Washington, WI, Thursday August 20, 1998
Mildred Crane was a woman who loved life and traveling, even after she passed the century mark. Mrs. Crane was 102 years old when she died on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Heritage Nursing home Port Washington, where she had lived for seven years.The 1996 family celebration at Heritage Nursing Home for her 100th birthday brought grandchildren and great-grandchildren from throughout the United States who had never met each other before.Born in Washington, IN, on June 24, 1896, she was the daughter of Leonard and Fannie Bollenbacher Whetsell. She spent much of her life in Indiana and Connecticut.She married Herman Thomas Crane and moved with him to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Where he was named the physical education director for the high school.The couple raised their 2 daughters and 2 sons in the Michigan community where Mrs. Crane was a homemaker.Mrs. Crane left Sault Ste. Marie after her husbands death in 1949. She cared for her mother in Washington, IN.After her mother died at 103 years, Mrs. Crane divided her time between the homes of her daughters, Phyllis Moberg of Fredonia (WI) and Frances Viilo of Connecticut. The Viilos traveled frequently and Mrs. Crane accompanied them through-out the United States, Mrs. Moberg said.Her hobbies were bridge, Scrabble, handiwork and listening to the radio, Mrs. Moberg said. However, failing eyesight and hearing reduced her ability to enjoy those pastimes.At the time of her 100th birthday, members of the nursing home staff described Mrs. Crane as "a wonderful example of someone who ages gracefully.'"She has an interest in life, in what people are doing and has developed ties with people who visit and relationships with the staff," a Heritage staff member said.Private funeral services were held.Internment was in the Sault Ste. Marie cemetery where her husband is buried.Mrs. Crane is survived by her daughters, Phyllis (Guy) Moberg of Fredonia and Frances (Michael) Viilo of Connecticut, and her son Herman (Minamarie) Crane Jr. of Arizona.She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.Her husband, son Leonard and 2 brothers preceded here in death.Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, handled the arrangements.
Contributed by: Mary Moberg Fyock