Mary E. Mildenberger, passed away Thurs., March 27, 2014 in Sterling.  Visitation 10am until 6pm Wed., April 2, 2014 with Vigil Service and Rosary at 6pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial 10am Thurs., April 3, 2014 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, interment Riverside Cemetery.

Mary was born on Nov. 30, 1921 in Padroni, CO to Francesco and Catherine Lazzaretti Dal Ponte. She attended St. Anthony High School, graduating in 1940. She married Nicholas T. Mildenberger at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sterling. They were married 35 years, until Nick's death in 1975.

Mary and her husband started Nick's Liquor in 1952 and continued operation of Nick's 3 ^rd Ave. Liquor with her sons until Dec. 2007.

Mary was a lifetime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and a lifetime member of Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed reading and gardening.

She is survived by son James Mildenberger and wife Kathy of Sterling and their children James and Abbie Mildenberger of Marshalltown, IA; Ann Hernandez and husband Andrew of Iliff; and John Mildenberger of Sterling. Daughter Mary Ann Paulson and husband Dr. Richard of Missoula, MT and their children Ben Paulson of South Bend, Indiana; Sarah Mueller and husband Eric of Salinas, CA and Susan Koehler and husband Daniel of North Liberty, Iowa.  Son Nicholas Mildenberger and wife Shelley of Sterling and their children Danielle and Jeremy Bushaw of Denver; Jonelle Mildenberger of Ft. Collins; and Nicole Mildenberger of Sterling. Daughter-in-law Beverly Mildenberger of Denver and her children Judy and Jonathan Jankowski of Orlando, FL; Mark and Catalina Mildenberger of Denver; and Dr. Julie Statz and husband Dr. Tom of Des Moines, IA. Sisters Louise Kloberdanz and Esther Vecchia both of Sterling, and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Nicholas Mildenberger June 17, 1975; son Donald Mildenberger; parents Francesco and Catherine Dal Ponte; brother Don Dal Ponte; sisters Theresa Steinbach and Ann Leino.