William John Millard Sr., age 73, of New London, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at ThedaCare in Appleton.
Bill was born on July 8, 1944 in Beloit to the late Robert and Hazel (Pues) Millard. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Ritchie on October 30, 1965 in New London. Bill served his country in the US Army. Bill owned and operated Tri-County Overhead Door for the past 27 years, working side by side with his sons. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Pelican Lake. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and traveling. Bill’s favorite times by far were those spent with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Bill Jr. (fiancée Dorothy Hartjes), Manawa; Paul (Dawn), Manawa and Wayne (Chanda), Wilmington Island, Georgia; grandchildren: Jared (Deanna), Keeli, McKenzie, Aubrie, Bryce and Blake; great-grandchildren, Maya and Phoebe and siblings: Robert (Jodi) Millard, Mountain; Joe (Janet) Millard, Hatley; Dave (Joan) Millard, Clintonville; Janet Dreier, New London and Nancy Millard, New London. Bill is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Bill had the “gift of gab” and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Julie; brothers, Ron and Jim; his mother and father-in-law, Leon and Gladys Ritchie; a sister-in-law, Sharon Surprise (his sweetie) and brothers-in-law, Stan and Robert Ritchie.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Rev. William Heiges will be officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery in New London. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com