MILBRANDT, Ilene Rose 1930-2013

MILBRANDT

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 2/15/2013 at 16:40:23

Ilene R. (Navratil) Milbrandt

Grafton, Iowa — Ilene R. (Navratil) Milbrandt, 82, of Grafton died Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A memorial service for Ilene will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 308 Fourth Ave., Grafton, with the Rev. Solveig A. H. Zamzow officiating.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Ilene Rose Kirchgatter was born at home in Grafton on Aug. 15, 1930, to Benjamin and Lizzie (Diedrich) Kirchgatter. She attended school in Grafton and was baptized and confirmed in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She continued in the Lutheran faith for her entire life. She was an active member of the Altar Guild for nearly 40 years. She took great pride in making a new cover for the collection plates at the church.

She was united in marriage in 1947 to Dean A. Schultz of Grafton. To this union was born a son, Jerry Dean. Dean passed away in 1949. She married Richard Navratil of Grafton in 1952. Three children were born to this union: Randy Richard, Joleen Rose and Rory Thomas (RT). Jerry was adopted by Richard in 1960.

Ilene was united in marriage to Ralph Milbrandt in 1989. They managed convenience stores in Cedar Falls and Ackley for eight years. After retirement, they moved back to Grafton where they were active in many church and community activities. Ralph passed away in 2004.

Ilene was a devoted wife and mother. She loved gardening, sewing and crocheting. She crocheted at least 100 family surname wall hangings for sale and for gifts. She also painted and wallpapered for others. She was an Avon representative for 32 years. She cleaned at the Grafton library and the Alternative Room at the Community Center for 7 years.

Ilene is survived by her children: Jerry Navratil, Randy (Mary) Navratil, Joleen (Erik) Bakken, and RT Navratil; grandchildren: Jon (Donna) Navratil, Jeremy Navratil (Carol), Jennifer (Brad) Schwarz, Gina Navratil, Jessica (Jason) Parks, Jared Navratil, Derek Navratil, Chad (Catherine) Raeside, Ryan Navratil (Vonda), Megan Navratil, Hilary Navratil, and Cody Navratil; great grandchildren, Blake Schwarz, Aubrey Schwarz, Julia Parks, Keenan Parks, Ethan Raeside, Bradyn Enabnit, and Cameron Navratil; sister-in-laws, Rose Marie Kruger, Mary Anne Marreel and Virgina Scott, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin (who passed away when Ilene was nine months old) her grandfather, Gustav (who passed away one week later); her mother, grandparents, her brother, Orlin Kirchgatter, three husbands, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, 641-454-2242, ColonialChapels.com.