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 the Buffalo County Normal School to obtain his
teaching degree. In 1952, he was drafted and served in the Army. As a sergeant, he was a squad
combat leader. Upon his return from the Army, he married Ethel Plank on October 24, 1953 at UCC
Church in Fountain City. After they were married, they 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, he
became employed as a milk hauler for Garden Valley Coop in Waumandee. In 1970, he began
employment at the Garden Valley Coop. In 1974, he was promoted to cheese plant manager.
In 1978, after Garden Valley Coop was bought out by Wisconsin Dairies, he 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 5 years. He returned to the home farm in 2021 and built a new
home.
In retirement, he enjoyed keeping up his meticulous landscaped yard. He enjoyed 4-wheeler rides on
the trails he made through his woods. He was a Sunday School teacher, 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. He 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.
He is survived by his children, Bruce (Jackie) Christ of Mondovi and Steve (Kim) Christ of Waumandee; 3
granddaughters, Heather (Chris) Kedrowski of Eau Claire, Chelsey (Jordan) Mendkoff of Chicago, and
Taylor Christ of Waumandee; 1 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; 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 at 11 a.m., Monday, December 11, 2023 at Montana United Methodist
Church in Waumandee with Reverend Tom Elliot officiating. Family and friends are welcome for
visitation starting at 10 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
http://www.wozneykillianfh.com.