Mildred Rhein

MILDRED J. RHEIN of San Jacinto, passed away quietly on her 85th birthday, February 20, 2008. This was just two-and-a-half weeks after losing her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert Edward Rhein. Mildred - "Millie" to all who knew her-was a selfless servant, incredible mother and remarkable grandmother. She is survived by three children: Bob, Janie and Alice; their spouses Susan Rhein, Mike Landig and Brent Bechtel; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Rhein, Kyle Landig, Carly Landig, Jennifer Landig, Curtis Bechtel, and Jennifer Bechtel. Mildred Josephine Wielechowski was born in 1923 to Leon and Mary Weilechowski in the heart of the Chicago area's Polish enclave, Argo, Illinois. Her parents immigrated to the United States for a better life. Her father was a landlord - well respected in the community. Young Mildred, like her siblings, Jean, Stella, John and Stanley, didn't learn to speak English until they attended school. Her first job was at the Kool-Aid plant in Argo. Much later in life, she worked at All State Insurance in Brea, California, as a word processor. The crowning moment in her working career was when she won the "Good Hands Award" for 100% accuracy at the keyboard - a category made specifically for her. No one was ever as good as she was! That award reflected what everyone knew about Millie. She worked quietly, accurately, and lovingly in all that she did. She would make 15 lunchtime sandwiches every morning for her husband and his two brothers before they headed off to their jobs at the Union Stockyard in Chicago. She continued to make those sandwiches (meatloaf was a favorite filling) for her three kids as they went off to school. Millie taught herself to sew, and made her daughter's clothes from elementary to high school. She would effortlessly cook holiday meals for 22 people, placing hot food on the table on time using only one oven and four burners. Her house was always immaculate. Life for the rest of the family always seemed so easy and uncomplicated though Millie's tireless efforts. As spouses were added to the family, Millie graciously welcomed each one - loving them the same as her children. When the grandchildren came along, Millie's life blossomed into a wonderful display of love and affection that touched their hearts, and will never be forgotten. She is Home now, with her beloved husband, Bob - and at peace. Visitation at Arlington Mortuary in Riverside will be held 9:30 to 10 a.m., Friday, February 29th, immediately followed by a memorial service. Internment will follow at 12:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.