Millicent Wiese

Millicent Wiese, lovingly known as Mill, was born on August 4, 1925, the daughter of James and Alma (Spencer) Read in Logan, Iowa. She graduated in 1942 from Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa. Millicent furthered her education and graduated from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1946. Millicent taught at Manning High School for four years.

On August 6, 1948, Millicent was united in marriage with Samuel Edward Wiese in Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they raised three beloved daughters, Barbara, Mary and Nancy. Millicent dedicated herself to raising her children, instilling in them the value of education and lifelong learning.

In addition to raising her daughters, she was an active member of her community. She took pride in her role as a substitute teacher, sharing her passion for learning and education with the students. She was an active, long-time member of PEO Chapter IS and the First Presbyterian Church in Manning. Her dedication to education was further exemplified by her service on the Manning Community School Board for three terms and her position on the Manning Public Library Board of Trustees. She also made an impact as a Girl Scout leader. Additionally, she served on the Lakota Girl Scout Council Board during her daughters' formative years.

Millicent met her husband Sam at a Manning High School basketball game and they shared a passion for sports throughout their marriage. Sam and Mill traveled internationally and spent many winters at a second home in Chandler, Arizona. Spending part of the year in the Phoenix area allowed them to be close to their daughters and to enjoy time with family and friends. Millicent had a passion for crossword puzzles, reading and gardening, all of which she did until her final day. 

Millicent passed away at her home in Manning on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 99 years, two months and three days. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Sam, sister Sara Read, brother James William “Bill” Read, brother-in-law Eugene “Gene” Wiese, sister-in-law Jean Wiese and nephew Douglas Wiese. Millicent is survived by her daughters: Dr. Barbara Wiese (Dr. Roger Waldeck) of Phoenix, Arizona, Mary Wiese (Richard Hornberger) of Goodyear, Arizona, Dr. Nancy Wiese (Willy Waks) of Azeitao, Portugal; brother Jay (Sherry) Read of Green Valley, Arizona, nieces and nephews Helen Wiese, Kathryn Wiese, David (Diana) Wiese, Katy Read, John Read, Rob (Wendy) Read and many other family and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. 

Instead of gifting flowers, her family suggests planting a tree or directing memorials to the Manning Public Library, 123 Main Street, Manning, Iowa 51455.