Mildred H. "Millie" Degraer, age 85, of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after a brief illness.
Millie was born March 20, 1939 in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. She was the daughter of George and Zorka (Plecas) Krajnovich. Millie never knew her father, as he passed away before her birth, but she was blessed to be raised by a stepfather, Rade Radokovich, whom she considered her father. She married Robert H. Degraer August 25, 1962 at St. Mary's Church, East Moline, IL.
She was a 1957 graduate of United Township High School, East Moline, IL and went on to obtain her degree from Moline Institute of Commerce. Upon completing business school, her first job was with John Deere Harvester Works. She later worked for Monroe Steel Castings, Monroe County Mental Health, finishing her career at Monroe County Friend of the Court retiring in 2005.
Millie was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and former member of Business Professional Women. She was named BPW Woman of the Year in 2003.
Millie took great pride in all she did and after her successful career enjoyed spending her extra time in retirement with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching sports on TV, with college basketball being one of her favorites. Millie loved to bake and cook, always trying new recipes and making a little extra to share. She took a genuine interest in others and loved helping out however she could to make someone's life a little easier.
Millie loved her family deeply and was always there with support or encouragement.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert; two children, Michelle (Bill) LaVoy of Monroe and Rob (Mary) Degraer of Elkhorn, WI; four grandchildren, Grace, Carolyn, Luke and Tori; a sister, Donna VanErt of San Diego, CA, beloved nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, brothers-in-law, Jerry VanErt, John Hunt and Ron Maertens; sisters-in-law, Marcella Hunt, Gabriella Maertens; nephew, David Hunt and uncle, Eli Plecas.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2024 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where a scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. with Fr. Rade Obsenica officiating. She will lie in state Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Mass of the
Resurrection at 11 a.m. Rev. Michael Anagbogu will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Meadow Montessori School, 1670 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI 48161.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .