Justine Marie Mills (née Luebke) died on Friday, Sept. 11, at the age of 93, after a brief illness, and is now with Jesus.
Justine was born to parents Otto and Elsie (née Hass) Luebke in Horicon on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1933. Salutatorian of her high school class, she was certified as a registered nurse through the Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing, and joined the staff of the visiting nurse association in 1954. A licensed private pilot, Justine met her husband, Henry (Hank) Mills through her flying club, and the pair married August 10, 1957. She completed her BS in public health nursing at Marquette University, Milwaukee in 1959, working until 1964, when she left nursing to nurture her growing family. She and Hank raised three children in Milwaukee and Madison. Once the children were older, she returned to medicine as a physical therapist aide, working in the field until her retirement.
Justine and Hank relocated up to Lakeville, MN, for his work in 1987, eventually retiring there. In June of last year, Justine downsized into assisted living, moving back to her hometown of Horicon to be closer to her sister, Louise Luebke.
She was a sweet and adventurous lady who enjoyed travel, visiting family, telling stories, and solving puzzles. She was a faithful, lifelong Lutheran, and member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She also volunteered with many service organizations, most notably as a reading coach for several area elementary schools, and serving meals with Loaves and Fishes in the Twin Cities area. Her faith carried her throughout her life, and she remained steadfast in the Lord.
Justine was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elsie; her husband, Hank; and her sister, Louise.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Craig) Doolittle, Matthew Mills (Mary), and Stephen Mills; as well as grandchildren, David, Sarah, Jackson and Elizabeth Mills.
Her funeral was held at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Saturday, Sept. 26. Visitation 10 to 11 a.m., service followed with an interment at Oak Hill Cemetery, beside her husband. All are invited to a lunch reception.
Koepsell Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. www.Koepsellfh.com
