Mildred Mechaley, 88, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, February 26th, 2024 at the Avera Maryhouse Nursing Home in Pierre, SD. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at 10:00AM at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024 from 6-7PM with a 7PM prayer service at Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:00AM Mountain Standard Time at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Funeral Services will be live streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page. Click the link to watch the services: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063938806463

Mildred Marie (Waack) Mechaley was born December 22nd 1935, to Herbert Otto Watler and Emma Regina (Karlin) Waack at their home in Norris, SD. She joined sister Dorthy, Barbra  and Linda followed shortly after to make up the "Waack girls"

Over the years, Mildred lived and worked in many places throughout South Dakota and Nebraska. Her favorite role was serving God, raising and teaching her children. She  spoke highly of her first job with the Farmers State Bank in White River. She attended Black hills College in  Spearfish, SD, completing her teaching certificate. Mildred began her career in a one room school house at He Dog School in Parmelee  SD. Police radio dispatcher from our home, and nurse's aid, including  over 20 years at the Winner Hospital, were some of the many ways Mildred served.

A story Mildred would share during her time teaching is when  the light bulb needed changing. A handsome cowboy stopped by to pick up his boss' children from school, offering to help. Not only did he change the light bulb but changed her life. They were married on October 11th 1958. Joseph Lloyd Mechaley and Mildred would welcome Joe's two sons Joseph Jr (Marilyn) and Patrick (Karen) Mechaley to their family and soon after  Roberta (Randy) Hofeldt, Charles (Julie), Polly(Randy) Anderson, Paula (Jack) Sharkey  Mathew (Julieta) and Jane (Keith) Moser.

Mildred was preceded in death by the love of her life Joseph Lloyd Mechaley, parents Herb and Emma Waack, in-laws William and Anna Mae Mechaley, infant sister Esther,   sister Barbra, brother in laws Ed Piper, Ted England and Al Markworth, son Patrick Mechaley, Grandson Anthony Mechaley(Joe Jr.), great grandson Brandon Mechaley (Marty) in-laws William and LaDonna Mechaley, Robert and Elaine Mechaley,  Kathryn and Glen Collins, Helen and Bill Bobrick, Mary Ellen and Bob Van Maren and  Margaret Cecilia Mechaley

Mildred is survived by Dorothy Piper-Winner, SD, Linda Markworth-West Bend, WI, their children and families

Joseph (Marilyn) Mechaley - Spearfish, SD Shane (Kristi) Mechaley Alison(Alex) Serot, Benjamin & Ellie Serot, Brooklyn Keney, Connor Mechaley; Mitchell (Joanna) Mechaley , Talia (Shaun) Castro,Rose (Ayden) Peay, Charlie Peay, Killian Mechaley; Tara Carter, Jordan Mechaley, Gage Carter,  Keston Carter; Karen Mechaley (Patrick)-  Marty (Jen) Mechaley, Brittany, Bradley and Brady -Hunter, Mason and Brayson; Ryan Mechaley, Emerson, Patrick and Lizzie Trisha Levin, Carson and Logan; Roberta (Randy) Hofeldt, Pierre, SD Russell(Nicole) Hofeldt, Michael, Paul, Kameron, Madilyn, Olivia and Lucas; Rebecca(Evan) Warner, Hazel, William, Charolette, and Lucille; Charles (Julie) Mechaley – Rapid City, SD Landon Mechaley, Riley; Marshall (Tara) Mechaley, Faith (Cole) Rothenberger, Tayleigh and EvaDay Mechaley; Taylor (Holly) Mechaley, Sydnee and Harper; Polly (Randy) Anderson – Adel, IA Ben, Luke, Mike, Abby, Joe Anderson; Paula (Jack) Sharkey – Lincoln, NE Sarah Sharkey, Natalie and Joshua; Matthew (Lizzie) Sharkey, Francis; Mary (Justin) Drager, Jacklyn, Joseph and Liam; Matthew (Julieta) Mechaley – SD Val (Mike) McGovern Abram, Eli and Camila; Sierra Mechaley; Jane (Keith) Moser – Winner, SD Nolan Moser, Nathan Moser, Emily Moser, Elizabeth Moser.