Sr. Mildred Strief, RSM, died on October 2, 2025, the feast of Guardian Angels, at St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio. Sister Millie’s long-time friend and former first-grade student Father Tom Toale said upon hearing of her death, “She was a good and gentle soul and her Guardian Angel took her to Heaven.”
If Iowa is the heartland of America, Sister Mildred Streif was an example of the heart of the heartland. Born on the family farm in Bankston, Iowa, to George C. and Mary Catherine Reinsbach Streif on September 1, 1928, Mildred Lucille was the third of eight children. Millie attended Millville Country School and St. Clement elementary and high schools in Bankston, IA. She entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Detroit, MI, September 7, 1947 and professed her final vows August 16, 1953.
She received her bachelor’s degree from Mercy College in Detroit, a Master’s in education from Wayne State University in Detroit and later did additional studies in education, theology and spirituality at the University of Dayton, OH; Dominican College, San Raphael, CA; Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI; Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, IA, and St. Norbert’s College, DePere, WI.
Sister Mildred shone as a teacher, principal, mentor and guide to many. She began teaching at Immaculate Conception school, Traverse City, MI; St. John’s, Independence, IA; St. Mary’s, Ackley, IA; St. Mary Magdalen, Hazel Park, MI and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Detroit, MI.
In 1966 she became superior and principal at St. Jean School, Muskegon, MI where she also taught grades 7 and 8 and music too. From there she became principal at Our Lady of LaSalette school, Berkley, MI; St. Anselm school, Dearborn Heights, MI; St. Mary School, Guttenberg, IA (twice); and St. John school, Independence, IA. She also served in Farmington Hills, MI as Formation Director for the Sisters of Mercy from 1983-86.
While caring for her mother from 1988 to 1990, Sister Millie was a Head Start teacher in the Dubuque County Education, Dubuque, IA, then returned to St. Mary School in Guttenberg again as principal.
She served from 1994 to 2004 on the staff of the Archdiocesan Center, Dubuque, IA and was Associate Director of Catechetical Services at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center from 2001 to 2003. From 2003 to 2019 she volunteered in “The Ministry of the Present Moment” in Dubuque before moving to McAuley Center in Farmington Hills, MI and then to St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, OH where she continued a ministry of prayer and presence until her death.
In addition to her educational leadership, Millie had a deep spiritual life, a quick wit and lively sense of humor. She also painted and created greeting cards. Several Sisters said they are glad they kept at least one of her cards as a memento.
One Sister said, “My 70 years of friendship [included] mutual acceptance, love, support, laughs, good times and bad times together. She was that kind of a friend to her family and friends.” Several recalled the fun of driving with her—to meetings in Michigan, to California (and the scrapbook she produced after), even returning after a funeral when they had to tape the back door closed: “Someday this will be funny.”
“She was a heck of an educator,” said another friend. She was wise, had good sense and a good sense of humor. She didn’t get ruffled about things, didn’t preach at people, just passed on her knowledge and helped others.”
Another said, “The last three years since the stroke that left her totally helpless was an example of her goodness. She never complained, was gentle, calm, even witty. I consider it one of most privileged times of my life to have been able to be her companion on this last part of her journey.”
Sister Millie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Alice Marie Wilwert Oeth, Edward Streif, Darrel Streif, Marion Kirmse, Arlene Breitbach and Laura Jean Streif. Remaining family members include her sister Donna Ann Streif and many loving nieces and nephews for several generations who enjoyed visiting their aunt Millie and sending pictures of each new family member.
Services will take place at St. Bernardine Home:
- Tuesday, October 14: Welcoming Ceremony at 3:00 PM followed by visitation until 5:00 PM.
- Wednesday, October 15: Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM followed by graveside service and luncheon.
Arrangements are under the care of Herman - Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, Fremont. www.hermanfh.com.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
