Mildred Choutka, age 88, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She was born May 17, 1923 in Chicago to William and Marie Klima.

Mildred worked in defense production in Chicago during WWII. After raising her children she rejoined the work force working at Hitchcock Publications, Tri-County Accounts Bureau, Gary Wheaton Bank and Sears Credit Central.

She met her future husband, Jim Choutka, when both were members of the Lawndale-Crawford American Legion Post Drum and Bugle Corps before WWII. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 76 years. She was also active with the Wheaton Park District Seniors and a member of Gary United Methodist Church. Mildred served at Whittier Elementary PTA while her sons were students. She and her husband both volunteered at Central DuPage Hospital where Mildred was a member of the CDH Auxillary.

She is survived by three children, Alan (Debora) Choutka of Elgin, Jay (Jeanne) Choutka of Sparta, WI, and Carol Choutka of McMinnville, OR; two grandchildren, Melissa and Andrew Choutka; and two nieces, Vicki Choutka and Beverly Choutka.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 18, from 3 to 8 at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 19, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Central DuPage Auxillary.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.