Mildred Lorraine Trzecinski

Mildred “Sis” Lorraine (McBride) Trzecinski, age 91, a longtime Phillips resident, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Aspirus Hospital in Medford, WI, with loved ones by her side.

Millie was born on May 7, 1934, in Phillips, WI, to parents Carl and Mildred (Pisca) McBride, who resided on Flambeau Avenue. She was the third of four children: the first born, Carl, who died in infancy, then Dorothy and Millie, and several years later Constance “Connie”. When Millie was age 5 her family moved to Chicago for work and lived on Division Street, then moved back to Phillips in 1945 to the McBride family home on Eyder Avenue to live with and help care for Carl’s aging parents. It was a joyous gathering place for many family get-togethers and holiday celebrations throughout the years.

In her youth, Millie worked at a variety of businesses in downtown Phillips including washing dishes and waitressing at her Aunt Cele’s restaurant when she was age 13, volunteering to cashier during school lunch time at Gunda’s candy store across from the old high school, following in her sister Dorothy’s footsteps she sold concessions and was an usher at the movie theater before becoming the cashier, worked at a local meat market and grocery store, and later served as secretary for electrician Bud Kemmer, where she also repaired appliance cord connectors. After graduating from high school in 1952, she worked for Elizabeth Dunn, superintendent of schools, and later became secretary for attorney, and later Judge, Carl Bjork.

Millie married the love of her life, Edwin Trzecinski, on June 21, 1958. Prior to their marriage, Ed had spent many hours keeping Millie company while she was confined to bed for 2+ years after a serious car accident in 1954. They had three children, Julie, Jamie, and Mary, and built a beautiful life together rested in faith, providing a kind, caring and fun-loving environment; Millie cared for the children and the home, cooking, baking, canning, sewing clothes, knitting children’s sweaters, croqueting blankets, and making tied quilts while Ed worked as a maintenance man at Lionite, did digging with his backhoe, and also helped at home with taking care of the kids and maintaining the house, vehicles, and yard. They were both very active in their community and church and spent countless hours volunteering. Millie was very active in the local VFW Auxiliary, the Price County Extension Homemakers, and the CCW for St. Mary’s Church which included coordinating and helping with many church dinners and funeral dinners. She also drove school bus for several years and served as Treasurer for the Town of Worcester for 22 years.

Above all, Millie was a devoted, caring, thoughtful and beloved person to all who knew her. Despite many struggles throughout her lifetime, her resilience always continued with the kindest heart and a positive and friendly attitude towards everyone. Recently, her happiest moments were family visits and gatherings, playing cards, bingo, shopping, and joining in adventures at the park, pool, library or McDonald’s playplace with her youngest great-grandchildren who she lovingly called the “little boys”.

She was well known for her delicious home-cooked meals and baked treats, particularly her kolaches and butterhorns, earning her the title of Wisconsin State Kolachy Queen at Phillips Czech Fest for several years. She was the kind of person who showed up with a homemade meal whenever there was a new baby or when someone passed away in the community. She consistently put the needs and comfort of others before her own.

She is survived by her children: Julie (Steve) Prey, Jamie (Robin) Trzecinski, and Mary Feranec; grandchildren: Sarah (Mike) Thiel, April Wincentsen, Kristen (Nick) Desrochers, Laura (Dru) Heier, Heather (Ken) Price, Nathan (Amanda) Trzecinski, Travis (Sarah) Trzecinski, Lydia (Ben) Trzecinski, Cala (Tim) Neu, Tyler (Bethany) Feranec, Sawyer (Tiffany) Feranec; great-grandchildren: Anthony, Jackson, Olivia, Landon, Abe, Carson, Dane, Blake, Easton, Theo, Max, Owen, Mallory, Calvin, Tucker, Hank, Lyle, Gabriella, and Evan; great-great-grandchildren: Grayson and Avery; her sister Connie Koci, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mildred McBride; her husband, Ed; her baby brother Carl; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Lorry Hanish, their son Carl; brother-in-law Ray Koci, and great nephew Rob Koci.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Therese Catholic Church in Phillips, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service. A luncheon will take place following the service. Internment will take place in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Phillips, WI.