Mildred G. Burchik

MADISON/BLANCHARDVILLE-Mildred I. “Millie” (Gilbertson) Burchik, age 99, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, at Monona Heritage.  She was born on Jan. 16, 1919, the daughter of George and Hildegard (Knudtsen) Gilbertson.  Millie grew up on the Blanchardville family farm prior to attending and graduating from Madison Business College in 1939.  Alone, by train, she traveled to Washington D.C. in ’40 to work for the U.S. Navy Dept. until World War II ended in ’45.  While in D.C. she met her future husband and love of her life Joseph Burchik.  After the war they moved to Casper, Wyoming where they married.  Employment in various oil companies took them to Houston, Texas, and then back home to Madison.  While in Madison, she was employed at Schenk Junior High School and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in various capacities.  Millie was a wonderful woman with a warm smile who loved to laugh, cook, sew, and spend time with her family.  She warmly embraced everyone and was willing to help anyone who needed a hand.  She was both strong physically and strong willed, with a big heart to guide her actions.  Millie’s smile, cheerfulness and positive attitude will be greatly missed by family and friends who knew her well.  Millie is survived by her son, Joseph Jr. of Madison; nieces, Sharon Zindars of Waunakee and Kathleen Carter of Ft. Collins, Colo.; nephews, Ernest Gilbertson Jr. of Blue Mounds, James (Carrie) Mismash of Dallas, Texas and Robert Burchik of Denver, Colo.; great-niece, Marsha (Dan) Hart of Eau Claire; former daughter-in-law, Wendy Burchik of Austin, Texas; a very special granddaughter, Thea; and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Daniel; and siblings, Peter Gilbertson, Emma Ahrens, Ernest Gilbertson and Arnold Gilbertson.  Per Millie’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held at a later date.  The family would like to thank the workers at Oak Park, Heritage Monona and Dr. Melissa Grimm for their exceptional care.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420