Clarence D. Millett

Millett, Clarence D. 1916 - 2009. Clarence David Millett, 92, of Oconomowoc, went to his Eternal Home on February 16, 2009. He passed away peacefully at Shorehaven Monday morning with his loving, devoted wife Isola at his side. Clarence was born November 29, 1916, in Milwaukee, to Bertha (Moser) and Raymond Millett. He moved to Oconomowoc as a young child, and at age 9 assumed a responsible, care-giving role for his three younger siblings, following the death of their father. He developed many work skills selling papers, caddying, and working at a photography studio. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School with the Class of 1934. After graduation, his employment included car repairs and bodywork, tree trimming, and an essential war-related factory job, all of which further developed his enduring work ethic. In 1944, Clarence began working in the industrial adhesive and coatings field, with J. G. Milligan Co. in Milwaukee, holding positions as laborer and plant manager, and in lab and research, sales and customer service. In 1970, he joined James Eagan and Earl Goodman in forming Northwest Coatings Corp. in Oak Creek. He retired in 1988 at the age of 71 upon the sale of the company. In 1940, Clarence married Marian Krogh. They had 2 children, Kenneth and Diane. The loss of Marian in a car/train accident in 1950 left Clarence as a single parent. Two years later, he was blessed to meet Isola Haag. They married on July 19, 1952, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Their family grew to include daughters Rita and Roxanne. In 2008, Clarence and Isola celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. He joined St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in 1953. As a long-time member, Clarence served the church in various capacities, including greeter, usher, finance committee, vice-president, president and elder. In 1964, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to their home on Lac LaBelle, and shared years of wonderful lake activities, including his favorite of sailing, with friends and family. Clarence loved ice-cream (!), ice-skating parties, ping-pong, tennis, camping and traveling, including 3 cruises and an inspirational trip to the Holy Land with Isola. He was always a true "people person" and natural teacher, optimistic and inspiring, energetic, generous, loving and caring, inclusive of all people. Clarence is survived by his wife Isola, and children Kenneth (Janis) Millett of Santa Barbara, CA; Diane Lewis of Pasadena, CA; Rita (Bob) Mikel of Boerne, TX; Roxanne (Ron) Steinmann of Boulder, CO. He is also survived by grandchildren Rebecca (Kevin) Millett Kobel (great-grandchildren Hannah and Christopher), Adia Millett, David Millett, and Natasha and Ian Steinmann. Step - grandchildren include Deadre (Winfield) White (step-great-granddaughter Danielle), Robert (Andrea) Mikel II (step-great-granddaughters Cailin, Hailey, Riley, Kandice and her daughter Alexis), Christopher (Heather) Mikel (step-great-grandson Joshua), Tamar Steinmann, and Sharon Steinmann. He is also survived by his brother Dean Millett, sisters Lucille Rohloff and Mae Miller, sister-in-law June (Stan) Spencer, brother-in-law Leon Zimdars, sisters-in-law Katie Roberts, Charlotte Haag and Betty Haag, daughter-in-law Susan (Michael) Auglis, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. In addition, Clarence is survived by many dear friends including his great buddy Ralph Schmidt Sr. and family, his St. Matthew's family, and also his Shorehaven family. In addition to his parents, parents-in-law and first wife, Clarence was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Edgar Rohloff, Ken Miller, Roy Haag, Darwin Haag, Adolph Haag and Howard Roberts, sisters-in-law MaryAnne Millett, Genevieve Zimdars and Lee Haag, son-in-law John Lewis, Cleavon Little, daughter-in-law Irene Millett, nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00PM on Friday, February 20, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 1165 E. Summit Ave., Oconomowoc. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 818 W. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, with visitation at 8:00 AM until the time of the service. Final rest will follow at Summit Cemetery. Pastor Jonathan Schultz will officiate. Memorials, if desired, to St. Matthew's, WELS Missions, Shorehaven, or charity of one's choice will be appreciated. All praise and thanks to God. PAGENKOPF FUNERAL HOME 1165 Summit Ave., Hwy 67 Oconomowoc, WI 53066 262-567-4457 www.pagenkopf.com