Mildred Wilson

Mildred G. Smith Wilson, age 100, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Madison, attended by her children.

Mildred was born July 31, 1924, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to William and Cora (Springer) Smith at the family farm north of town. She grew up in Oskaloosa and graduated from Oskaloosa High School. After studying at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, she studied nursing at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa, and became a registered nurse. She married Gerald Wilson of Bussey, Iowa, on May 13, 1951. Mildred worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Knoxville, Iowa, before leaving nursing to raise a family. She lived in Iowa, Colorado, and Michigan as Gerald pursued a career in the electric power industry, settling in Madison with Madison Gas and Electric in 1967.

She was an avid golfer, playing in two leagues simultaneously and another day of the week besides. She enjoyed exercise classes until the age of 85. After Gerald's retirement, they traveled extensively. Mildred was active until a couple years ago when she moved to Saint Mary's Care Center in Madison, where the staff characterized her as feisty. Mildred remained a steadfast Iowa Hawkeye fan to the end.

Mildred is survived by three children – Les (Janet) Wilson of Chicago, Illinois, Dirk (Elizabeth) Wilson of Delafield, Wisconsin, and Gayle (Randall) Stafford of Columbus, Indiana; four granddaughters – Claire (Daniel Cudzilo) Wilson, Audrey Wilson, Emily (Benjamin) Stafford Wood, and Mollie (Brett) Stafford Billmaier; and two great grandchildren – Isla and Cillian Wood. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Elizabeth Marcella Armstrong, and brothers William Springer, John James, and Donald R. Smith.

A funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation will follow until 4:00 p.m. A burial service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bussey, Iowa, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Luncheon will be served at the Bussey Community Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mercy College of Health Sciences (webpage at giving.mercyone.org/desmoines/mercycollege), The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.