Mildred Koth

Mildred Koth, 98, Grand Forks died Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center in Grand Forks. Mildred Fern (Lewis) Koth was born December 3, 1911 on a farm near Essex, Iowa to Edna and Horace Lewis. When she was seven, her parents sold this farm and elevator business to purchase a farm near Kennedy, Minnesota where her father also managed the Farmer's Potato Warehouse and Grocery Store. During her school years, Mildred successfully managed to keep track of her younger brother, Melvin, who seemed to get into his share of trouble. A month after her 1929 high school graduation, Mildred's father tragically died as a result of a haying accident. The family soon decided to sell the farm to enable Mildred and Melvin to continue their education. After attending Aaker's Business School in Grand Forks, Mildred became secretary for a large business firm in Kennedy, Minnesota. A few years later she and her mother moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota where Mildred found a position as secretary of the dean's office in the UND School of Engineering and Mines, where she worked for 30 years under four deans and two acting deans. It was at UND Mildred met Arthur Koth, a professor of engineering. They were married June 7, 1952, in Grand Forks. The house they purchased bordered University Park. Art mused that it would be so wonderful to be near the park because they could have picnics. They also enjoyed many UND hockey games. Mildred and Art were committed to their Christian life. They both were active in the Presbyterian Church. Mildred taught Sunday School, was president of the Presbyterian Business Girls' Club, was elected to the session in 1971, completed two years as a Church Women United Listener, was Coordinator of Fellowship Circles in UPW, served as a member of the Women's Guild, as well as being an Elder and Deacon. Mildred retired from UND May 10,1977 but continued to work part time at the university. She lovingly cared for her mother, tended her beautiful gardens, creatively arranged flowers, enjoyed canning and baking and remained an avid antique collector. She also traveled, including a UND Alumni Association tour through Germany. Grateful for having shared her life are her brother Melvin Lewis, nephew John Lewis and niece Mary Ellen Russell (Chuck). Great nephews are Charles and Lewis Russell. Great niece is Erin (Russell) Bass (Dion). Great, great nieces are Kylee and Kolbie Bass. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Koth, and her parents.