Obituary of Audrey Akey

Audrey Akey, 91, of Oak Creek, WI, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018.

Visitation will be Monday, January 7, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. until the Celebration of Life service held at 11:00 A.M. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev Jonathan Petzold will officiate. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Audrey was born February 23, 1927 in the town of Rudolph on the family farm, to Otto and Alma (Krueger) Schmidt. She graduated with high honors from Lincoln High School as a member of the Class of 1944. She worked at Preway as an administrative assistant, until her marriage to James Akey on October 8, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  They were blessed with 40 years of precious memories, until his death on May 12, 1996. Audrey spent time raising 2 children and then returned to work at Prange’s Department Store for a short period before moving on to work for BDT Inc., as a secretary and treasurer, until her retirement.

She loved her family, being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Audrey enjoyed theater, spending time with friends, vacations, eating lobster, writing, and car rides in the country. She was a very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher, served with her dear friends on the Altar Guild, Telecare Program, Outreach Committee, and taught Ablaze Adult Bible Study. Eventually, Audrey moved to Oak Creek to be closer to her children and grandchildren.  She became a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed volunteering, with her special friend, Art Steinborn and reading to the elementary children at the school. Audrey was also involved with the Stephen Ministries.

Audrey is survived by her children: Mark Akey and Camela (Dane) Yetka; grandsons: Drew and Tyler Yetka; sister-in-law: Jeanine Steuck Schmidt; nieces: Sue Alberti and Jean Parsons; and nephew, Roger Schmidt.  In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, Karl Schmidt; sister-in-law: Gerene Schmidt; and nephew, Jim Schmidt.

The family would like to send a special word of gratitude to Pastor Dommer.  Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church 8537 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154.