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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Mildred Ortner
MILDRED "MILLY" (MAHRING) ORTNER
Cedar Rapids
Mildred "Milly" (Mahring) Ortner, 92, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids.
Milly was born Jan. 22, 1925, to Jerry and Marie Mahring in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was an active young lady, touring the Midwest with the Sokol gymnastics troupe. As a high school student, she could be heard singing Czech polkas with several other artists of the time on WMT Radio during the Czech Family Party and the Ted Hlubucek Czech Melody Hour. She was an original member of the Czech Quartet and a key player in keeping Czech culture alive in Cedar Rapids. Milly's passion for her heritage and her community kept her busy. She taught the Czech language in schools, taught gymnastics at Sokol, performed in Czech language plays and was a member of the ZCBJ Women's Drill Team. Milly was an integral force at the Czech & Slovak Museum & Library from its simple beginnings on C Street SW to the grand role it plays today on the banks of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids. Milly's passion for singing continued throughout her lifetime. Well into her late 80s, she was a member of the Czech Heritage Singers, bringing Czech music to many venues throughout Cedar Rapids. Milly also was a member of St. Ludmila Catholic Church for over 50 years.
Milly graduated from Wilson High School in 1945 and soon married the love of her life, Leo Ortner, in 1946. Milly was especially proud of her three children and their families: Don (Rose) of Elwood, Iowa, Paul (Alicia) of Liberty Hill, Texas, and Barb, who, along with her father, Leo, greeted Milly in heaven. She also is survived by three grandsons, one granddaughter and five great-grandchildren.
Milly was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her daughter, Barb; her parents; and all of her siblings.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, where there will be a vigil service at 3 p.m.
A memorial Mass followed by a luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, 211 21st Ave. SW.
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