Myrna Sweet

Myrna Loy Sweet, 75, of Brandon, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, surrounded by family and Heartland Hospice caregivers.

Myrna was born on March 19, 1936, in Oshkosh, a daughter of Irwin A. and Lillian (Strasser) Giese.

On June 11, 1961, she married Clifford Franklin Sweet Jr. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Oshkosh.

After a couple years of marriage, Myrna graduated from the Outagamie County Teacher's College on June 4, 1963. She went on to teach third grade at Hilbert Elementary School for two years. Also, Myrna worked at Waupun Memorial Hospital as a cook, and at Rhode's Bake-n-Serve in Columbus for 18 years. She won a national recipe contest, utilizing Bake-n-Serve dough, which resulted in her picture being used on the cover of their promotional brochures.

Small children were Myrna's life; she could never have too many children surrounding her. Myrna was a proud mother and stepmother. After raising her own children, she took it upon herself to find other avenues to be around and to educate children. She enjoyed teaching at public schools and at Sabbath school. Myrna was a grandmother and teacher at heart. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than simply playing. Myrna also enjoyed quilting, crafts, and helping her husband take care of Sweet Acres, their homestead where they raised bees and fruit trees.

Myrna and Clifford were quite active in local farmer's markets where they brought honey, berries, and other fruit to sell. For many years, Myrna served as treasurer of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Beaver Dam and in Oshkosh. She also enjoyed genealogy and family history.

Myrna and Clifford were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at the Fond du Lac County Park with close family and friends, last June.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Clifford; her children: Clifford (Kim Carlson) Sweet III, Santa Rosa, Calif., Troy (Francisca) McDonald, Tennessee, Donna (Dembo) Jabang, Estelle (Ken) Flood, Big Horn Lodge, Catherine Sweet, Mountain Home, N.C.; six grandchildren: David Lange, Marsha Lange, Brithney Sweet, Liesse Bohlmann, Oliver and Fiona Sweet, Michael Flood; and two sisters, Krystal Patterson, Carlsbad, N.M. and Melody Ford, Collegedale, Tenn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Jacob Heisig-Sweet.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 W. Main St., Waupun, with Pastor Steve Aust and Pastor Adam Case presiding.

Burial will follow at Estabrooks Cemetery, Fond du Lac.

VISITATION: Myrna's family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Monday, Feb. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from noon until the time of the funeral service.

A memorial fund has been established in Myrna's name.

The family of Myrna Sweet would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Melissa Lucarelli and her staff for their personal attention and compassion through her journey. Also, they would like to thank and express appreciation to Heartland Hospice, specifically Jennifer Chappa, Beth Jones, Jennifer Berndt, Chaplain Laura Hawkins, and Chaplain Bob Lantz. Also thanks to the families of Brian Ermer, Carl and Maxine Anderson, Darryl and Ruth Gunderson, Floyd and Karen Brandenberg, and Lois Smits. Without the support of these parties, it would not have been possible for Myrna to remain in her home during the final days of her illness. Her husband and children cannot thank you all enough.

Kohls Community Funeral Home in Waupun is serving the family.

The Reporter

Fond du Lac, Wis.

Feb. 26, 2012