Mildred Leithart

Mildred Leithart, age 88, died on July 23, 2007 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. Mildred was born on June 8, 1919 to Otto and Christine Woelke of Pigeon, Michigan, where she lived until her graduation from high school. She graduated from Capital University in 1941 with a piano major. She taught piano and theory at Capital University from 1937 to 1954. She earned a Master's degree in music at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Despite the fact that she never returned to live in Michigan after high school, she often referred to Michigan, and particularly the area around the Village of Pigeon, as "God's country". Mildred met a fellow student at Capital University, Paul W. Leithart, and on June 19, 1953, they were married in the Chapel at Capital where Dr. Leithart served as student Physician. She continued her life-long love of music by playing the organ and piano in her home church and other churches, including one memorable Sunday while traveling in England in 1969 when she played the organ in a cathedral for the service. This love and talent for music was handed down to her three children and many of her grandchildren. Mildred is survived by her husband, Dr. Paul Leithart, her three sons and their wives, Paul Leithart II and Denise Leithart of Gahanna, Ohio, Theodore (Ted) and Susanna Leithart of Loveland, Ohio, and Peter and Noel Leithart of Moscow, Idaho. Mildred was a supportive and dedicated wife and a loving mother -- she would remark that the "only thing better than having three boys would have been if I had four boys." Dr. Leithart was active in medical and political issues throughout his career and into his retirement. Mildred played an active role in support of his many activities. More than anything, however, she loved her Lord Jesus Christ. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, her brother, Arthur Woelke of Pigeon, Michigan, and her sisters, Gertrude Schaefer of Valparaiso, Indiana, Betty Orr of Livonia, Michigan, and Marion Bramschreiber of Peyton, Colorado, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Christine Woelke and her brother, Theodore Woelke. For a number of years preceding her death, Mildred had heart problems and other physical difficulties, but her mind was keen until her death, she never complained, and her love for God was always evident. She was ready to leave this world to be with God, and while she will be terribly missed by those who knew her, they are comforted to know that she is in the mansion that Jesus prepared for her. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in German Village from l953. The family will receive friends Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street. Service Friday 11 AM, July 27, 2007, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 322 East Stewart Avenue (German Village) with Pastor Gary L. Pieper officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran School, 322 East Stewart Ave., Columbus, OH 43206