Millard H. Christ
Millard H. Christ, 92, of Waumandee, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at The Homeplace Assisted Living in Mondovi, surrounded by family.
Millard was born April 3, 1931, in the Township of Montana, to Conrad and Erna (Kindschy) Christ. After graduating from Arcadia High School, he attended Buffalo County Normal School to obtain his teaching degree. In 1952, he was drafted and served into the U.S. Army. As a sergeant, Millard was a squad combat leader. Upon his return from the Army, he married Ethel Plank, October 24, 1953, at UCC Church in Fountain City. After they were married, the couple farmed with his parents on their dairy farm. In 1963, they purchased the farm from his parents.
In 1967, the dairy cows were sold. The farm then became a beef and hog operation. At that time, Millard became employed as a milk hauler for Garden Valley Coop in Waumandee. In 1970, he began employment at Garden Valley Coop. In 1974, he was promoted to cheese plant manager. In 1978, after Garden Valley Coop was bought out by Wisconsin Dairies, Millard was transferred to Wisconsin Dairies in Barron, WI, as cheese plant manager. Millard and Ethel lived in Barron for 10 years. In 1988, Millard was transferred to the Wisconsin Dairies Cheese Plant in Alma Center, WI, as cheese plant manager. He retired from Wisconsin Dairies in 1996. After retirement, he became employed by Zuehlke Lumber Company and worked there for five years. He returned to the home farm in 2021 and built a new home.
In retirement, Millard enjoyed keeping up his meticulously landscaped yard. He enjoyed 4-wheeler rides on the trails that he made through his woods. Millard was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Waumandee/Montana Fire Department until 1978. While in Barron, he was President of the Barron Kiwanis Club. In Hixton, he was a First Responder. Millard was proud of his Red Poll cattle herd, showing his livestock at the Wisconsin and Minnesota State Fairs. He also participated in the Winona Barbershop. He was active in the church, holding treasurer’s positions. He also sang in the choir. At age 50, he surprised us by taking swimming lessons. Millard went on daily walks for about 40 years.
For more than 20 years, he took care of his wife, Ethel, who suffered from MS, along with job, and taking care of the cooking and cleaning of the home. Never once did he complain about caring for his wife due to her illness.
Millard is survived by his children: Bruce (Jackie) Christ of Mondovi and Steve (Kim) Christ of Waumandee; three granddaughters: Heather (Chris) Kedrowski of Eau Claire, Chelsey (Jordan) Mendkoff of Chicago, and Taylor Christ of Waumandee; one great-granddaughter, Norah Kedrowski; sister-in-law, Beatrice Christ; and many nieces and nephews.
Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Erna; wife of 57 years, Ethel; infant son; brother, Rudy (Lois) Christ; sisters: Dorothy (Maurice) Norby, Marjorie (Robert) Throndsen; sister-in-law, Alice Buege; brother-in-law, Gerald Buege; and nephew, Larry Christ.
Millard’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to The Homeplace Assisted Living in Mondovi, Mayo Health System physicians and nurses, and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Millard.
Millard will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his sense of humor, and his strong work ethic.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Montana United Methodist Church in Waumandee with Reverend Tom Elliot officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Montana United Methodist Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
