Mildred M. Brill, 93, Marathon, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born January 7, 1921, in Poniatowski, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Metz) Bergs. Mildred was valedictorian of her class at Edgar High School and attended business college in Wausau. She proudly served in the Marine Corps. Her service included assisting troops to return home after their service in World War II. She married Roger J. Brill on July 24, 1946. She and Roger partnered to run Brills IGA in Marathon for 40 years.
Mildred's first love was her family. She once submitted a recipe to a cookbook with the note: "This is for a large family." She was an advocate for people with disabilities and was a delegate to the national convention that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also was an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Marathon, the Third Order of St. Francis, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the National Society of Foresters, the American Legion, the Parish Council of Catholic Women, and various civic organizations. She and Roger were named "Business Persons" of the year for Marathon City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger in 1995, children Gary and Elaine, and son-in-law Larry Schmitz; brothers Wilfred, Victor and Robert Bergs and infant sister Bernice Bergs.
She is survived by her children Jeanne (Denis) Lang of Wausau, Dr. Ann M. Brill-Schmitz of Lawrence, KS, Margaret (Anthony) Lang of Oshkosh, Bernie (Larry) Heindl of Marathon, Donna (Chris) Baines of Windisch, Switzerland, and Dr. John (Mary) Brill of New Berlin, WI; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and her sister Viola Godina of California.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Mary's School of Marathon (716 Market St, Marathon, WI, 54448), the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Wisconsin (www. Nationalmssociety.org/chapters/WIG/donate), or the Brill-Schmitz fund at the University of Kansas (www.kuendowment.org).
The celebration of her life will be Friday, November 14, at St. Mary's Church in Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will officiate. Rosary is 2 p.m., followed by visitation 2:30 – 4:30 and Mass at 4:30. The burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 15, at St. Mary's Cemetery, with military honors. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Visitation
St. Mary's Parish
712 Market Street
Marathon, WI 54448
Friday, November 14, 2014
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Service
St. Mary's Parish
712 Market Street
Marathon, WI 54448
Friday, November 14, 2014
4:30 PM
Cemetery
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery
Marathon, WI
Saturday, November 15, 2014
11:00 AM