Eugene "Baldy" A. McMillan, 84, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2008, at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.
Gene was born on Dec. 31, 1923, in Beaver Dam, to Daniel and Helen (Taylor) McMillan. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1942, where he enjoyed boxing and football. Eugene was a retired Army officer. He proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War, where he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his service he made two combat parachute jumps, including one on D-Day in Normandy and another during the Battle of the Bulge in Holland. For his honorable service, he received a Master Parachutist Badge, two Combat Infantry Badges, three Bronze Star Medals for Valor, three Purple Heart Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, a Good Conduct Medal with Two Knots, an American Theater Ribbon, an ETO Ribbon with Four Stars with Two Arrowheads, a World War II Victory Medal, an Occupation of Germany Ribbon, a Korean Service Ribbon with One Star, an United Nations Ribbon, a National Defense Ribbon, a Korean Presidential Unit Citation, an American Distinguished Unit Citation, a French Fourragere, a Belgium Fourragere, a Dutch Militaire Order Fourth Class, and a Queen Wilhelmina Knights Degree.
On Jan. 5, 1946, he married his first wife, Joyce Rhode, in Beaver Dam. He later married Inez Krenz on Dec. 15, 1980, in Juneau. Gene was a retired correctional officer of Fox Lake Correctional Institution. He was a member of John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 and V.F.W. Post 1138.
For 20 years, Gene and Inez attended the annual reunions for the Army 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In 1994, he traveled back to Normandy to visit battle sights and to attend ceremonies in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of D-Day. Gene took great pleasure in Beaver Dam Lake, where he enjoyed fishing and was an active member in the Beaver Dam Lake Association. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing cards and reading, especially books about history. Marriage happily brought new hobbies to Gene, such as golfing and watching the Packers. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Gene had a very kind heart and was a "Dad" to many. His front door was always open, and it was a place everyone felt welcome.
Gene is survived by his wife, Inez, Beaver Dam; his four children, Susan McMillan, Deerfield, Ill., Danny McMillan, Kelly McMillan and Teri (Paul Callies) McMillan, all of Beaver Dam; six step-children, Charlene (O.J.) O'Janovac, Warrior, Ala., John (Mary) Daniels and Denise (Dan) Roedl, both of Beaver Dam, Chuck Daniels, Cedarburg, Wis., Jim (Robyn) Coleman and Jackie (Jeff) Beilfuss, both of Beaver Dam; 14 grandchildren, Bret, Brandon (Liz), Nick (Michelle), Andrea, Buddy, Erica, Jerry, Cassie, James, Alec, Ethan, Natalie, Max and Kate; four great-grandchildren, Grace, Olivia, Morgan and Kaylee; brothers and sisters, Elaine (Glenn) Dorn, Winston (Violet) McMillan and Dick (Pat) McMillan, all of Beaver Dam, and Katie (Tom) Soles, Fond du Lac. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Joyce in 1978; two children, Patti Jo and Timmy; his brother, Malcolm, and his sister, Marge Quandt.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Legion members are invited to meet at the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. to pay their respects. A time of remembrance will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery with graveside military rites provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Veteran's Center in Beaver Dam.
