Rex Ethan Millheam

1942 - 2025

Mequon, WI - Rex Ethan Millheam, born in Beloit Wisconsin on October 31, 1942 to Curtis "Duke" and Hilda Millheam, was called home on October 18, 2025. Rex grew up in Beloit and graduated from Beloit High School, class of 1960. Following high school, he studied at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater.

He later worked for the Beloit Corporation before getting into the hydraulics business. He was one of the first employees at Delta Power Hydraulics Company in Rockford, IL in 1969, helping the company get its start, working his way up to general manager at one time. Delta Power continues to thrive to this day.

In 1987, he left Delta Power when he purchased Hoke, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI, switching gears to a hydraulic sales rep and later a distributor as well. A year later, he relocated his family to Mequon, WI from Rockford, IL. In 2008, the repping side of Hoke, Inc. was sold but the distribution portion was retained and renamed Hoke Fluid Power, Inc. A year later, he co-founded KTI Distribution Center, LLC, a company dedicated to distributing products for KTI Hydraulics, Inc. He was a very successful businessman, working alongside family.

Rex served in the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970. On October 30, 1965, he married Charlotte Milner of South Beloit, IL.

In his younger days, he enjoyed waterskiing, boating, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, weight training, boxing, and spending time on the Rock River in Beloit at his parent's cabin. In 1979, he purchased land in Lac Du Flambeau, WI on Fence Lake. Over the years, he built a second home there, where he loved spending time, always doing projects, and hosting many friends and families over the years.

Rex is survived by his wife Charlotte, sons Bret (Judy) of Slinger, WI and Brian Millheam of Mequon, WI, grandsons Hayden and Conner Millheam, sister Julienne Strasser of Rockton, IL, and nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Hilda Millheam, sisters-in-laws Shirley Bauer and Margie Krebs, brothers-in-laws Chet Strasser, Lee Krebs, and John Milner, and nephew John Milner.

His funeral will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a service to follow at 1:00 pm. The funeral home address is:

Schramka-Densow Funeral Home, 423 N. Main St., Thiensville, WI 53092.

He will be laid to rest at West Mequon Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Mequon, WI.

For online condolences please visit www.schramkafuneralhome.com