Obituary of Mildred A. Cameron

CAMERON MILLIE

Millie A. Cameron, age 92 of Yankton, SD passed away late Friday evening, June 20, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.  Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Mark Lichter officiating.  Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD.  Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Scripture service at 7:00 PM.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.  One-line condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com.  To live stream Millie’s service, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/W6wzJ.

Millie was born on February 15, 1933, to Joseph and Josephine (Bloch) Zdenek in Lesterville, South Dakota. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1950 and married Garrald “Gerry” Cameron that same year on December 1^st at the Catholic Church in Lesterville. Together they raised six children–five sons and one daughter.

While still in high school, Millie began working at the Human Services Center (HSC) in Yankton, in the laundry department. Following graduation, she continued her employment at HSC in various roles including nurse aide, staff development and nursing administration. Determined and driven, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from USD/Springfield, by attending night classes–an achievement she was very proud of.

Both Gerry and Millie worked for a period of time for Singer Sewing Company. Gerry’s job as a manager took the family to several towns in Iowa including Sioux City, Cherokee, and finally Estherville. Millie also worked for Singer during this time as a sewing instructor and bookkeeper. Following the birth of their daughter, the Camerons returned to Yankton.

Millie resumed working at HSC and also became a part-time real estate agent with Mikkelsen Real Estate. She continued her real estate position after retiring from HSC, but ended that commitment when managing the Mulberry Inn Bed and Breakfast in Yankton demanded more of her time. She managed the Mulberry Inn for 16 years during which time she enjoyed meeting all the new visitors and made several lifelong friends.

Following the closing of the Mulberry Inn, she remained busy as an active member and volunteer for Sacred Heart Church in Yankton and served on the Respect Life Committee. Millie also enjoyed playing bingo and cards and was always revered by her family and friends for what seemed to be her unending stream of luck. Millie enjoyed spending time with family and attended many activities and sporting events to watch her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play. A loyal Minnesota Twins fan, Millie followed baseball passionately.   

            She is survived by her children Richard Cameron (Gail Boal) of San Ramon, California, Don (Diane) Cameron, Joan Stocking, and Scott (Maria) Cameron, all of Yankton, SD; daughter-in-law Pamela Cameron, Georgia. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Arlen Rushing, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry; parents Joseph and Josephine Zdenek; in-laws Dortha and Elmer Raymer; Irene and Leroy Love; James and Wanda Cameron; Marie and Lyle Pitman; two sons, Bob and Bill; sisters, Hermina, Frances and Marian; and brothers, Gus, Jim and Joe.

She said, “I’ll meet you up above. I’ll wait for you.”