Robert William Millard

MIDDLETON - Robert William “Bob” Millard, age 89, of Middleton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on Feb. 21, 1935, in New London, the son of George Millerd and Ruth Bruley.

Bob graduated from Clintonville High School in 1953.  He met JoAnn Shafer in college at Oshkosh and they were united in marriage on June 6, 1964, in Rosendale, Wis. Bob and JoAnn moved to St. Louis, Mo., shortly after getting married and lived there for five years. While there, he worked for the Department of Defense at the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center. He helped map the route of the Apollo 8 Manned Lunar Mission of 1968. Bob and JoAnn moved back to Wisconsin and settled in Middleton in 1969.  Bob worked as a cartographer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation from 1969 until his retirement in 1997.

Bob and JoAnn enjoyed traveling the country. They enjoyed yearly vacations with their longtime friends they met during their time in St. Louis. For many years, besides attending all home games, they traveled to almost all away Badgers football games and went to several Rose Bowls. They also traveled around the country going to NASCAR races as they followed their two sons’ careers.

Bob was an avid White Sox, 49ers and Badgers fan. He loved playing Sheepshead throughout his life and most recently with his friends at the Fitchburg Senior Center. He was a referee for baseball, softball, football, basketball and soccer, continuing with some of those sports until he was 81. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and his many friends. He also kept busy researching the family’s genealogy.

Bob was a wonderful father, grandpa, brother and friend and will be forever missed. Bob is survived by his daughter, Tricia (Charles) Liberty; sons, Todd and Matthew Millard; brothers, Richard (Judy) Millerd and Gary (Dolly) Millerd; sister, Mary Millard; sister-in-law, Jeanie Millard; and grandchildren, Erik Fredine, Danielle Fredine, Zachary Fredine and Alexander Fredine. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Millard; his parents, George and Ruth Millerd; and brothers, Dennis Millard, Jim Millerd and Keith Bruley.

Bob’s family would like to thank the staff at Cardinal View Senior Living and Agrace HospiceCare for the care and comfort they provided him.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m on Saturday, May 18, 2024. A short memorial service will begin at 1:30 p.m.  We would like to honor Bob by having everyone wear their favorite sports attire to his celebration.

Memorials may be gifted in Bob’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761