Mildred Elaine Middlekoop

Mildred Elaine Middlekoop, 81, passed away on March 28th 2021, at her home surrounded by her family after a three-and-a-half-year battle with Lymphoma and more recently Leukemia.

She was born April 5th 1939, in Ottumwa Iowa to Lester Raymond and Elma Caroline Vannoy Murphy. She attended Ottumwa High School and then married the love of her life Jack Lee Middlekoop on July 4th 1957, in Lancaster Missouri.

After marrying Jack and moving to Middlekoop Seed Corn Farms she helped in the early years with detasseling corn and bookwork. Devoted with love to her family she made every holiday special with beautifully themed tables, decorating her home and homemade recipes. Birthdays were celebrated with her delicious decorated cakes. During her children’s years of showing horses, she took great pride in their show clothes, making sure they looked immaculate. She was always taking care of others and doing something special for those she cared and loved.

For many years Mildred and Jack enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Arizona, Nevada, California, Alaska, Branson MO to name a few. They made many friends from all over the country during these travels and enjoyed keeping in touch with them. Twice Jack flew them to Quebec Canada to the World’s Fair in 1967 with friends. Mildred loved watching her children and grandchildren in their many activities and sports with great pride. She loved her fur babies that gave her unconditional love and comfort on her lap these last 3 years. In healthier times she loved walking at Lake Darling State Park and enjoying the outdoors. Over the last few years, she learned something new with the addition of a computer and iPhone. She enjoyed keeping in touch with friends using these tools. Mildred enjoyed collecting antique dishes and Longaberger Baskets, planting and receiving beautiful flowers. She loved going to the Iowa State Fair, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball games and going to Nascar races. She was a long-time member of Chapter F-TTT, Packwood.

Mildred is survived by her husband Jack of 63 years, her son Jack Jr. and daughter Jill (Shawn) Dahlstrom all of Packwood. 2 grandchildren Kooper (Taylor Myers) and Shea Dahlstrom. Shawn and Jill’s niece and nephews Makenzie, Sven, Mason and Trison Dahlstrom all of Packwood. Her beloved Yorkies Chloe and Zoey and her Fluffy Kitty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Juanita Meeker, Lucille Kratz, Carl Murphy, Leona Parks, Gearld Murphy, Howard Murphy and Lloyd Murphy.

Memorials may be made to Packwood Community Building, Chapter F-TTT Packwood or Hospice Compassus of Washington may be mailed to 1653-155th St, Packwood, IA 52580. As was Mildred’s wish her body has been cremated and there will be no funeral service. The family will host a Celebration of Life Gathering on Sunday,  April 11, 2021, at the Lake Darling Lodge from 2:00-4:00 PM