Obituary of Paul Milleson

Joseph Paul Milleson, 89, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, April 1st, at Autumn Winds Assisted Living in Cambridge, Wisconsin, following a long struggle with cancer. Paul, as he preferred to be called, was born at home on April 19, 1929 in Richmond, Indiana, to Joseph and Helen (Tobiason) Milleson. He married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Helen Trueblood, who became his beloved wife on June 25, 1952. Together they raised six children each of whom dearly loved both of their parents. Barbara passed away on June 8, 1994.

Paul attended school in Richmond, Indiana and in high school was active in wrestling and also became known as an incredible gymnast. As a young man, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a manufacturing jeweler and watchmaker at Milleson Jewelers where ultimately he designed and created Barbara’s beautiful wedding and engagement rings. After working in the family business for quite a few years, Paul and Barbara and two young daughters moved to Lansdale, Pennsylvania and became employed by Martin Century Dairy Farm. After noticing repairs and improvements Paul had made to their dairy equipment, Creamery Package recognized his expertise and offered him a job at their company located in northern Illinois. In 1960 the young family, now including 4 children, moved to Sycamore, IL and soon after to DeKalb, IL where he ultimately became a design engineer. In 1962 Paul’s family, now including five children, moved to Fort Atkinson, WI where the children grew to six. Still employed by Creamery Package, Paul continued to excel in his job in Fort Atkinson. Creamery Package ultimately became known as Apv Crepaco Div located in Lake Mills WI, where Paul later retired in 1999.  He also held several patents.

Paul was known as a loving father, protector and fixer of anything. Memories include Paul operating on and saving the family’s parakeet, taking apart and reassembling family cars, watches, clocks, plumbing fixtures, or almost anything that needed to be fixed. He also designed and built the most amazing swing set including flying trapezes and took the family on adventurous camping trips, etc.  Paul was also known for his quirky sense of humor and puns and would have family and friends rolling with laughter. He was musically inclined, played various instruments including the tuba and guitar and sang in various choirs. During his lifetime, Paul was a member of the Society of Friends (Quaker Meeting) and the First United Methodist Church. He also was a Boy Scout troop leader and Sunday School teacher.

On October 26, 1996, Paul married Jeanette Nelson, whom he dearly cherished. Jeanette has been a blessing to the entire Milleson family. After his marriage to Jeanette, Paul became an active volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul and Second Harvest. Volunteerism became an important part of Paul’s life. Paul later joined St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort.

Paul was pre-deceased by his parents, Joseph and Helen Milleson, his two sisters, Helen Bowman and Joanne Brzoza and his wife of 41 years, Barbara H Milleson. He was the loving father of 6 children: Lynne (Daniel) Kreisman, Janet (Richard) Haas, Robert (Kim) Milleson, Rebecca (Charles) Floyd, Nancy (Greg) Jones, and Paul Milleson, all of whom survive him along with 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and the children, Becky (Jim) Hollenbeck, Rachel (Mark) Engelke, Mark Nelson, Kirk (Tammy) Nelson, 12 grand-children and 7 great-grand-children of his wife of 23 years, Jeanette Nelson Milleson. Paul’s second family also reaped the benefits of his many talents and fun times as he enjoyed his retirement career of farming, playing in the dirt and playing with antique tractors.

The entire Milleson and Nelson family is forever grateful and would like to thank Rainbow Hospice Care and Autumn Winds Assisted Living for their loving and compassionate care. They are also so appreciative of the support of family and friends throughout Paul’s difficult journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5^th, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1660 Endl Blvd., Fort Atkinson, WI with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice Care, St. Vincent de Paul Store or Second Harvest.

Nitardy is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com