Donald James McMillie, age 75, of Wisconsin Dells, WI died Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at Our House Memory Care in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on July 28th, 2012 at the Townline Cemetery, Town of Springville, Adams County, Wisconsin.
A Luncheon will follow at the VFW in Oxford, Wisconsin.
Preceded in death by his parents, Chloe (Counterman) and George McMillie, and siblings, Fredrick McMillie, Lula (McMillie) Coppock (husband Gene), George “Ed” McMillie (wife Virginia), Verna (McMillie) Parrish, William McMillie (wife Sharon), Suzie (McMillie) Bingham, and survived by siblings Roland “Buck” McMillie (wife Julia), Daniel McMillie (wife Dorothy), and Evelyn (McMillie) Kuntz (husband Gene).
Donald was born July 28, 1936 in Gladstone, MI to George and Chloe (Counterman) McMillie. Known to his family as “Donnie Jim”, he went to school in Escanaba, MI to age 17 when he joined the US Army serving for 3 years as a paratrooper and sharpshooting team member….he loved jumping out of airplanes! He then joined the US Navy serving for 17 years on numerous ships the USS Helena, USS Weiss, USS Philippine Sea and the USS Gunston Hall to name a few. He was a Petty Officer 1st class SM1, which is a signal man, serving our country during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. He was also a Naval Recruiter for several years. After retiring from military service, he worked as a Security Officer at the Federal Prison in Oxford, WI for 10 years.
Married to Theresa (Cody) 1958-1976 and is survived by three daughters Linda (McMillie) Mattes (husband Scott) and grandchildren Toni (husband Jonathan Knotts, great grandchildren Joshua, Levi, and Isaac), Carolyn, Lindsay, David, Christopher, Samuel, Joyce, Phillip, Melissa, Amy and Daniel. Nancy (McMillie) Stark (husband Terry) and grandchildren Jacob, Josef, Lauren, and Lindsy. Christine (McMillie) Collins (husband James) and grandchildren Rebecca (husband Luke Sache, great grandchildren: Isaiah and Olivia), Nicholas (great grandchild Kiara), Zachary (wife Wendy and great grandchild Alexander), Katelyn (husband Jake Steldt and great grandchildren Chloe and Malachi), Shannon and Megan.
In 1977 Donald married Margaret Hartman. They resided north of Wisconsin Dells. Thru marriage Don became a step-father to 10 step-children: Step-daughter, Carol Golz (Jack) and step-son James Hartman preceded Don in death. Survivors include Wayne (Joan), Mike (Karen), Bill (Paula), Jeff (Magda), Mary (Jay), Kim (Billy), Mark (Irene), and Todd (Jean) along with 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Don led a very full life with abundant optimism and absolute selflessness. He was a jack of all trades and was always willing to lend a hand. He encouraged friends to always do their best and be happy with the effort. We will celebrate Don’ life with a Memorial service at a later date. Do not mourn that Don has passed, be happy that such a man lived.
Sorry to hear of Don’s death. You have my sympathy and prayers
Margaret and family so sorry to hear of Don’s passing may you always remember the good times and know he is in a better place. You are in are thoughts and prayers.
Margaret and family, Sorry about Don. I knew Don from working with him at FCI Oxford and he was such a good person. My sympathy to you and all of the families.
Our sympathies to the family of Don.
Long distance hugs from Oregon.
Margaret, you have our love and sympathy. Don will be remembered as a good man, husband, father and neighbor. An avid reader of military and mystery books, we knew where to find him, especially if there was a need for a fourth hand at Euchre. Don also made the best chicken soup, from scratch. He will be missed by many but has gone to a better place.
He truly was the best Grandpa anyone could ask for and will be missed tremendously.He is in a much better place now though.
Margaret we are so sorry about Don’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Margeret and family I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I just heard about it. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please let us know. So sorry!!
We want to send our sympathy to the McMillie and Hartman Families. May God comfort and bless the families at this time. Our hearts and prayers are with you as Don was a good man.