Mildred S. Dye's Obituary
Mildred S. Dye, age 96, of Spring Lake passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Oakcrest Manor, her assisted living home. She was born April 12, 1917, in Grand Haven to Stephen and Anna (Hornacek) Sluka. Mildred married Durward Dye on December 30, 1945 in Noblesville, Indiana. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1997.
Mildred served in the United States Coast Guard SPARS during WWII and was stationed in Boston, MA from 1943 to 1945. She was employed as a switchboard operator by Michigan Bell Telephone and also worked as a switchboard/receptionist for Bastian Blessing until her retirement in 1979. Mildred had many interests and talents. She was a wonderful cook and a master knitter. She worked crossword puzzles daily. She walked and biked when she was able. She most enjoyed creating unique felt Christmas ornaments that are treasured by those who have collected them.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Mitzi (George) Fazzola of Spring Lake; 1 son, Ken Dye; 2 grandchildren, Jeff Fazzola of Bangkok, Thailand and Jonathon (Ashley Thompson) Fazzola of Chicago, IL; 1 great-grandchild, Sadie Lynn Fazzola of Chicago, IL; brothers, William (Dorothy) Sluka of Grand Haven and Robert (Janice) Sluka of Spring Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 4 sisters: Annie Middag, Susie Slaughter, Julia VanderMeiden and Kathleen Salisbury; and 2 brothers, Steve and John Sluka.
The family would like to thank the employees of Oakcrest Manor. Mildred lived in Pebblebrook Manor for six and a half years and was cared for with love, grace and skill. She considered Pebblebrook her home.
A Memorial Service for Mildred will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 8, 2013, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Peter Theune officiating. Military Honors will be accorded Mildred by the United States Coast Guard. Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, http://www.noch.org/hospice.html, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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?