PAPILLION, Neb. – Denise E. (Grenier) Mikolajczyk, 49, a resident of Hampton, Va., formerly of Auburn, died unexpectedly Sunday, Jan. 11, while on active military duty with the U.S. Air Force.

She was born in Lewiston, June 16, 1959, the daughter of Joyce (Brown) Grenier and the late Jean Paul Grenier. She attended Auburn schools and was a 1977 graduate of Edward Little High School.

While in Maine, she worked as an EKG technician at Central Maine General Hospital in Lewiston.

In December 1982, she joined the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of chief master sergeant, stationed most recently at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. She had been stationed in many other places throughout her military career including Japan, Germany, Qatar, Al Deid, Turkey, Florida, Kansas and South Carolina.

She exemplified the U.S. Air Force Chief’s Creed and held allegiance to her country and the Air Force. Her devotion to duty and personal integrity were consistently above reproach and she wore her uniform and rank with dignity and pride. She led by example, with high standards of conduct, courtesy and performance. She gained the respect of all who came in contact with her.

Survivors include her two sons, Benjamin Mikolajczyk of Orlando, Fla., and Dylan Mikolajczyk of Mulvane, Kan.; her mother, Joyce Richmond and husband, Norman, of Lewiston; one brother, Michael Grenier and his wife, Sally, of Erie, Colo.; two sisters, Patti Gagne and husband, Michael “Ernie,” of Lewiston and Sue Grenier of Auburn; one stepsister, Ellen Richmond of Skowhegan; two nieces, Stephanie Gagne and Sammi Grenier; one nephew, Scott Gagne; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, Jean Paul Grenier, on Aug. 11, 1985.