L. Dean Millar

Age 91, died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Manor Care Health Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dean was born on October 24, 1917, in Monmouth, Illinois. He was married to Mary Jean (Palmburg) Millar for 62 years prior to her death in 2002.

Dean has one son, James D. Millar (Victoria Decker-Millar) of Lake Bluff, Illinois, and one daughter, Marjorie M. Young (Robert E. Young) of Neenah, Wisconsin. Grandchildren include Christopher Millar (Stephanie), Kara Gills, William Robert Millar, and Katherine Ziegert (Andrew Ziegert). Great grandchildren are Heather and Hannah Millar, Grady and Karly Gills, and Zachary and Molly Ziegert.

Dean was the son of William Robert and Alene Millar of Kirkwood, Illinois, who both preceded him in death. Dean had two brothers, William of Kirkwood and Robert (Madeleine) of Monmouth, and a sister, Betty (Frank) Keesler, of Moline, Illinois, all who preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary (William) Millar, who resides in Monmouth, Illinois. Nephews include John (Bev) Millar or Kirkwood, Dick Millar of Little York, Illinois, and Mike (Barb) of Aledo, Illinois.

Dean retired in 1985 as Executive Vice President for Underwriting for the Bituminous Casualty Insurance Company in Rock Island, Illinois. He was a member of the company's 20 Year Club. He had previously worked in Chicago and Philadelphia for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. In Rock Island, Dean was most significantly involved in Junior Achievement and the South Park Presbyterian Church.

After his retirement, Dean and Mary Jean moved to Zellwood, Florida where he was a leader in the Zellwood Community Association, Red Caps Service Organization, and the Rolling Hills Reformed Church. Dean and Mary Jean also lived at Waterman Village in Mount Dora, Florida, before moving to Appleton in 2001.

The family farm in Illinois, the insurance underwriting business, his friendships and service in retirement in Florida, and his time with family when he moved back to the Midwest all shaped Dean and were with him until the moment of his death. And Dean shaped those around him. His honesty and integrity were an example and an inspiration to all who knew him. We will miss him for his faults as well as for his virtues.

Dean's family would like to thank all those who cared for Dean with skill, respect, and love during his long illness, specially the staff at Manor Care in Appleton and Dr. Lawrence Donatelle of the Affinity Medical Group.

A memorial service will be held for Dean in Monmouth, Illinois, in mid-May. Details will be available through Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois (866-835-6748). Burial will be at Warren County Memorial Cemetery.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920 739-1231