Racine – Waltraud E. Mikus, nee Linker, 92, passed away at her home on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Waltraud was born in Germany on August 27, 1920 to Christian and Elsa (nee, Zielke) Linker. Waltraud traveled to the United States on the S.S. Maasdam from Rotterdam to New York on Tuesday, December 9, 1952 after spending 18 months in London after World War II. She worked as a photo technician in Germany and also in the U.S. She became a U.S. Citizen on April 22, 1958.She married Steve Mikus, Jr. at Holy Communion Lutheran Church on September 21, 1957. He preceded her in death on October 4, 2003. Waltraud was a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. Survivors include her daughters, Monica (Kevin) Griep of Racine and Karen (Peter) Brothers of Auckland, NZ; grandchildren, Sam and Shelby Brothers and Isabella and Jarod Griep; sister-in-law, Lilli Patz, brother-in-law, Russell Zebell; nieces, and nephews, Dennis (Cheryl) Mikus, Maria (Brad) Mikus Lee, Juanita (Richard) Hornyak, Russell (Jan) Zebell, Ralph (Pam) Zebell, Ronald (Lori) Zebell and Randy (Eileen) Zebell, Monika (Jurgen) Miscegk, Dirk Siegmann, Markus Patz and their families; and special friends, Rosa and Del Seymour, Marianne Jerke, Ida Gillett and Halina Vanderkam. Waltraud is also survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister; and two brothers. Funeral services for Waltraud will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Rev. William Grimbol officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Communion Lutheran Church's Food Pantry or Youth Ministry or one's favorite charity. Special thanks to the wonderful staff with Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for all their compassion and care during Wally's brief illness.