Elizabeth Miltenberger

Dec 30, 2010

Elizabeth (Bosch) Miltenberger, the daughter of Simon and Frances (Hoffart) Bosch, was born in the home of her parents in Ness Township, Pierce County, North Dakota, on February 19, 1915.She died at the age of 95 years on Friday, December 24, 2010, at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

Elizabeth, the oldest of 12 children, was raised in the rural home of her parents and received her education in a country school near her home.In 1933, she moved to the Knox area where she met Walter Miltenberger. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1935.The couple made their home in the Knox area following their marriage until 1952, when they moved to Rugby and started Miltenberger Meat and Locker Plant.The couple later purchased East Side Grocery Store, which they operated for several years.In 1959, Walt was appointed Pierce County Sheriff and, along with this appointment, Elizabeth found herself a part of the county law enforcement.At that time, the sheriff and his family resided in the county provided housing that was directly connected to the jail.She was the matron of the Pierce County jail for 12 years, 24/7, with duties that included preparing meals for those who were jailed and dispatcher for the sheriff, city police and fire departments.After 12 years with the sheriff’s office and duties, Walt and Elizabeth started Miltenbergers Sales and Service, which they operated until retiring in 1986.In addition to operating the business, she became a licensed foster parent for physically and mentally challenged children and worked with children in the daycare center.Walt died December 5, 1986, while wintering in Arizona.

While her children were growing up, Elizabeth was active as a Cub and Boy Scout Leader and, later, a Girl Scout Leader.She was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, the Confraternity of Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters of America Rugby Court.She also enjoyed membership in the National Federation of Republican Women, the Kane-Ellingson Auxiliary of the American Legion in Knox, the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, the Pierce County Historical Society, the Geographical Center Association for Retarded Children, and Rugby Seniors.She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, crocheting and, later, discovered BINGO! She was an avid card player and never was without a deck of cards and a rosary in her purse.

Survivors include three sons, Ronald (Marge) of Surprise, AZ, Woody (Peggy) of Venice, FL, and Gerald (Agnes) of St. Cloud, MN; two daughters, Theo (Bill) Bort of Yuma, AZ, and Pat (Guy) L’Heureux of Alfred, ME; 16 grandsons; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one great-great-grandson; a sister, Darlene Zacher of Rugby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Leona McMullen; seven brothers, George, Leo, Edward, Peter, Leonard, Joseph, and Robert; three sisters, Helen, Margaret, and Lena; and her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, December 30, 2010, at Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby, with spring burial in the church cemetery.Fr. John Ejike was the Celebrant. Organist was Glenda Mack and vocal leader/cantor was Robert Graber.

Active and honorary casketbearers were Terry McMullen, Kevin McMullen, John Parenza, Eric Shelker, Simon Bosch, Jay Bosch, Neil Bosch, Jeff Miltenberger, Rodney Solem, and Tom Solem.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.