Mildred M. Oliver, 96

Fort Collins, Colorado/ Winnebago – Mildred Oliver passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021.

Mildred Marion Mahler Oliver was born in Waseca, in 1924 to Wesley and Elsie Mahler and was the fourth of seven children. The family moved to Winnebago, in 1934.

Millie was active in her high school serving as one of the editors of the school paper. She also participated in the band playing the baritone and was very accomplished with this instrument earning superior ratings in both district and state competitions.

Following High School, Millie attended the University of Minnesota graduating from the Cadet Nurse Corps. This program was developed to help alleviate the shortage of nurses during and after World War II. Upon graduation, she was sent to work in a hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Millie returned to Minnesota, married Charles Oliver and had two sons, Steve and Dick. The family moved to Denver; Millie and Charles subsequently divorced. She enjoyed the Colorado lifestyle, particularly fishing and skiing including several years as a member of the Winter Park Ski Patrol. Additionally, she was very fond of bridge and was an accomplished player. Millie was also an exceptional gardener.

Millie worked for United Airlines for many, many years. This enabled her to travel the world. One memorable experience involved biking throughout the Netherlands. Following her retirement from United, Millie moved to Fort Collins. She resumed her love of music by joining The Silvertones and the New Horizons band. At the age of 79, Millie established the charter for Tuba Christmas in Fort Collins. She’d dusted off her baritone and jumped right in!

Her life in her last few years was enhanced and supported with the help of trusted friends and caregivers, Barb Roths, Linda Heil, Karen Johnson, Bev McCue, Nancy Hicks, Judy Berndt and Kim Schram.

Millie is survived by two sisters, five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Silvertones. Please make checks out to Larimer Chorale with Silvertones in the memo line. Mail to: Larimer Chorale, P.O. Box 884, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522.

Or a credit card donation may be made at: coloradogives.org/larimerchorale.