Arvella was born on March 19, 1928 to Walter and Emma (Rickert) Kraschnewski in Medford. She attended Medford area schools. She married Melvin W. Mildbrand on September 17, 1949; he preceded her in death on August 2, 2015. After their marriage she helped Melvin on the mink ranch which they ran for 40 years. During that time she was also a housewife and mother. She was well known for her artwork. She established Arvella’s Summer Shop and Art Gallery in 1972 through 2016, where she sold her oil painting, wood working, and antiques. She started an Arts and Crafts fair in Medford in 1973. She entered numerous art fairs around the state where she won awards for her artistry.
After her retirement and until her death, she made and donated rag dolls and stuffed animals for the children at the Marshfield Hospital. She also enjoyed planting flowers, mowing lawn, and traveling.
Arvella is survived by her children, Michael (Cindy) Mildbrand of Soldotna, AK, Scott (Gail) Mildbrand and Amy (Dennis) Blasel, both of Medford; grandchildren, Thomas (Rachel) Mildbrand, Benjamin Blasel, both of Medford, Johnathan (Jessalyn) Mildbrand of Chicago, IL, and Nicholas Blasel of Centuria, WI; great-grandchildren, Carly and Graham Mildbrand of Medford and Kynslee Mildbrand of Chicago, IL. Arvella is further survived by her sister, Marilyn Cain and brother, Dwight (David) Kraschnewski.
Arvella is preceded in death by her husband and parents.
A memorial service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Arvella’s name may be made to LLAM building project at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
