Mildred Alice Fessler

Mildred Alice Fessler (102) passed away peacefully in Winter Garden, FL on June 9, 2023 with her family lovingly by her side and nearby in spirit. A simple and humble woman, and guided by her strong faith in God, Mildred “Millie” lived a magnificent life and had a profound impact on many.

Born October 16, 1920 to Morris and Gertrude Rock in Prosser, WA, Mildred lived an adventurous childhood with her three siblings Charles, Kenneth and Donna as their family moved among a variety of small towns in the Pacific Northwest seeking work during the depression. Mildred loved the outdoors and loved to read. Being observant, curious, and social, she was influenced by the times and those older than her – her parents, her grandparents, friend’s parents, etc. Surrounded by loving friends and family, Mildred’s childhood was a happy time.

Mildred married her childhood friend and high school sweetheart Floyd Osgood in 1942 and grabbed every minute she could with him until he was shipped out with the Navy for the war effort. Upon his return, they decided to take the few thousand dollars and 3-weeks leave he received before reassignment and tour NYC and the east coast. They wasted no time and saw everything. This was the type of adventuresome spirit Mildred had. After WWII, they settled in Seattle and had 3 sons Gary Wayne and twins David Floyd and Dale Frank. Shortly thereafter, Mildred lost Floyd to cancer and settled in Port Orchard for the next 55 years.

As a widow with three infant toddlers, Mildred’s strong faith in God, independence and grit led her to wisely purchased a plot of land near her parents in Port Orchard. With her own hard work, the help of her Dad, the gift of labor of neighbors and friends and her faith, she built a house to live in for the next 30 years.

Mildred then met a kind and gentle man, Glenn Good who loved and cherished her. They were married in 1951. Glenn raised the boys like his own and taught them the love, respect, honesty and integrity each of them still have today. During this time, Mildred and family spent a great deal of time backpacking, camping, hiking in the mountains, fishing and she often spoke of those memories and how wonderful they were through her last days, especially hiking across the Cascades. She came to appreciate the beauty of nature and carried this into her later years of painting and enjoying art. Unfortunately, their marriage only lasted 9 years as Glenn passed away suddenly from an acute illness.

Mildred spent the next 16 years making a meaningful life for her boys and herself by working as the Administrative Secretary at South Kitsap High School. This allowed her to take an active part in her son’s lives as she knew all the kids at school (and vice versa). During this time, Mildred also enjoyed art classes and workshops, was active in her church, and joined the Mountaineers.

In 1976, Mildred met long-time Port Orchard resident Del Fessler and instantly fell in love. Del shared Mildred’s sense of curiosity about the world and they enjoyed a wonderful life together traveling extensively – both domestically in their travel trailer and across the world to the Far East, Europe, Mexico, the Suez Canal. Del and Mildred’s love for each other extended across their blended families. Mildred loved Del’s daughter Susan Bossert of Bremerton and son Greg Fessler of South Colby as if they were her own. Sadly, Mildred and Del’s time was cut short when Del passed in 1992 but Mildred kept her faith and kept sharing her love with family and friends.

In 2003, Mildred moved to Florida to be near her son, but her roots have always been in the Pacific Northwest and Port Orchard specifically. She maintained good health and mind and stayed in contact with her extended family until her final days.

Mildred was a strong woman, humble, and fiercely independent. She also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. She was clever and full of wisdom from the knowledge gained through all her life experiences.

She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She truly loved each of them- and if you knew her, you knew it.
Mildred is survived by sons Gary Osgood (Doris) of Forest Grove, OR; David Osgood (Dianna) of Winter Garden, FL; Dale Osgood (Sally) of Apache Junction, AZ; and daughters Susan Fessler Bossert (Sam), of Bremerton; and Connie Fessler of South Colby, along with numerous nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Private gravesite services will be held at Sunset Lane Cemetery in Port Orchard on October 6, 2023 with a Celebration of Life following at Fessler Hall in the South Colby Methodist Church.