Buhr, Mildred L. Waltner (1921-2003)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2003 Oct 1 p. 2; 2003 Oct 2 p. 2

Birth date: 1921 Dec 7

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Nov 10 p. 12

text of obituary:

MILDRED L. BUHR

Mildred L. Buhr, 81, of North Newton, Kan., died Sept. 29, 2003. She was born Dec. 7, 1921, to Benjamin and Adina Graber Waltner in Freeman, S.D.

She was baptized Oct. 18, 1936, at Salem Mennonite Church of Freeman. Her love of music surfaced early, and in 1939 she was granted a scholarship with the noted Polish pianist, Countess Helena Morsztyn. Singing became a second passion for her. At Freeman Academy and Freeman Junior College, she made several trips to the east coast with the choirs. She attended Augustana College and graduated cum laude in 1943.

She met George Buhr at Freeman Junior College in 1940, and they were married on June 10, 1945.

During the early 1940s, she taught high school and prepared for volunteer work. Under Mennonite Central Committee, she and George went to Paraguay and worked for two years to aid Mennonites emigrating from Ukraine.

When they returned to the United States, they settled in Kansas. In 1955 they moved to North Newton. They served as house parents for Bethel students at the Leisy House. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and played piano at Bethel College Mennonite Church.

In 1965 they moved to Merriam. She obtained a teaching certificate and started teaching vocal music to middle school students. She obtained a master's degree in remedial reading and worked to improve literacy in underachieving children. She volunteered in church community outreach with Rainbow Boulevard Mennonite Church.

She and her husband traveled to all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. She enjoyed a trip to Europe and a recent visit to Paraguay.

They returned to North Newton in 1996, settling in Kidron Bethel Village retirement center.

Survivors include her husband, George; three sons, John and his wife, Vanessa, Bruce and his wife, Meribeth, and Paul and his wife, Deanna; a sister, Florine Plenert; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.