Mildred Maxine Blaze

Mildred “Meme” Maxine Blaze, 95, of Rensselaer, passed away Friday, January 23, 2015 at AlternaCare at Jasper County Hospital. She was born Oct. 16, 1919 in Jasper County to the late George S. Blaze and Ona (Ricks) Blaze. She was a lifetime area resident and a full participant in our society. She was born three months after the Treaty of Versaille ending The Great War. She was an adolescent during the roaring 20’s and came of age during the great depression. Her faith and value in family and hard work served her well throughout her life.

Mildred graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1938. She went to work on Dec. 15, 1938 at the Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Rensselaer. The bank hired her for $25 a month and her training in banking began on the spot. Less than a month after her hire, her first big responsibility was on Jan. 1, 1939, New Year’s Day, when she was tasked with wrapping and counting a bag of pennies, $50 worth. It took her all day. She would not stay counting pennies for long; Mildred was made an officer of the bank in 1949 and she retired as Assistant Vice-President and cashier on Dec. 31, 1981 at the age of 62.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Rensselaer, where she taught Sunday School for 20 years during the 1950’s and 60’s, and was Deaconess Emeritus. She was a lifetime member of Sigma Phi Gamma and a member of the Ladies Literary Club.

From sunday school kids, to neighborhood tots, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and finally great-great nieces and nephews, Mildred cared for and loved the children whose lives she was a part. She appreciated families that shared their lives with her.

Meme had a desire to see the world during her life and in her active retirement. She had amazing travels visiting all of the states except Alaska. She also made trips to Europe, Australia and even Cuba. She traveled with her parents and sister, and other friends and family members. Her first mode of transportation was a Model A Ford, which she bought for $85 with $15 down payment and $10 a month thereafter. Later in life she favored Buicks.

She is survived by her sister Dorothy Nagel of Rensselaer; nieces: Georgia (Jerry) McKim of Rensselaer and Pam (Brian) Canty of Massachusetts, nephews: Tom Nagel of Rensselaer and Tim Nagel of Houston, Texas; eleven great nieces and nephews: Sean, Paul, and Andy McKim, Anne Soultz, Jordan and Austin Canty, Ryan and Jenna Nagel, Brenden and Michael Nagel, and Megan Maldonado; and ten great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, George and Ona Blaze; two sisters, Isabelle and Georgia Ann Blaze; and a brother-in-law, Paul Nagel.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 from 3-7 p.m. (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. (CST) at the First Christian Church with Rev. Elizabeth Hartmann officiating. Interment will follow at Weston Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church of Rensselaer. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.