Mildred Lucille Sponheim

Mildred Sponheim, age 96, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Mildred was born April 6, 1928, near Carpenter, Iowa. The daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Parker) Johnson. She graduated from Orchard High School in 1945 and attended the University of Northern Iowa. On October 23, 1949, she married Norman “Norm” Sponheim at Rock Creek Lutheran Church. They farmed and raised their family in the Rock Creek area. She was a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at the middle school in Grafton. Mildred was a member of Rock Creek Lutheran Church where she served on various boards of Rock Creek Women’s group, was parish education leader, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was leader of the conference cluster. She was also a 4-H leader. Mildred enjoyed quilting and sewing for family and attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Mildred is survived by her children, Joyce Baun of Detroit Lakes, MN, Ann (Jeff) Fisher of Detroit Lakes, MN, Don (Karen) Sponheim of Altoona, IA, Dean (Cindy) Sponheim of Nora Springs, IA, Mary (Bob) Grey of Madison Lake, MN; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Jim) Boyce of Roseville, MN; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Johnson, Frances Johnson, Clarissa Johnson, and Kathy Johnson all of Osage, IA, Jackie Johnson of Des Moines, IA; brother-in-law, Al McLaughlin. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ruth Johnson; her husband, Norman Sponheim; her in-laws, Ingvald and Alice Sponheim; sons-in-law, Duane “Bogie” Baun, David Barlett; sisters, Florence (Alvy) Borcherding, Margaret (Lowell) Olsen, Carol McLaughlin, Eleanor (LaVern) Schallock; brothers, Dale Johnson, Charles (Betty) Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Keith Johnson, Ivan Johnson, Harley Johnson; sister-in-law, Margaret (Charles) Melson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Ave. Osage, Iowa, with Pastor Nye officiating. Inurnment will be held at Rock Creek Cemetery at a later date. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.