THE LAST DAY:
Dan and I spent six hours with his Dad on Monday, December 15th at the nursing home in Appleton, Wisconsin -- 90 years old and suffering from the end stages of Alzheimers. He was conscious, but very in and out, not speaking at all. Sometimes it seemed like he would stop breathing, and then he would gasp.
Dan's brothers and sister-in-law had been with him most of the night and morning, so they went home to rest at about 1:00 p.m.
It was nice that it was just Dan and me in the afternoon, because we talked about anything and everything with him, and we sang all the Christmas carols we could think of.
The Hospice nurse told us Dan's father had hours or days. She felt it was hours. She said it was okay to tell him he could go. I asked Milton a favor, to tell my Becky her Mommy loves her, when he sees her, and he squeezed my hand!
Dan's sister, a high school teacher, arrived as soon as she could after school and the three of us spent precious time with him.
Early this morning we got a call from Dan's brother that their Dad had passed away at about 5:00 a.m.
Dan and I are both grateful for the time we had with his father on his last day.
OUR DAD:
Milton L. Kanitz, age 90 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died at about 5:00 a.m. on December 16, 2014 at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton, after a well-fought battle with Alzheimers.
He was born November 6, 1924 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Laura E. Nimmer and Edwin A. Kanitz.
He graduated from St. John’s Lutheran High School where he was a sprinter on his high school track team. He served three years in the Navy from 1943-46 on the sea plane tender the USS Currituck, AV-7. There he proudly served as Captain’s Orderly and on the 5” Gun Team.
He married Dorothy Robley of Clarks Mills, Wisconsin on May 4, 1949 and moved to Beloit, Wisconsin where he worked as a set-up welder for Fairbanks Morse Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was married to Ann M. Kooistra for 11 years until her death in 1984.
Milton’s eyes sparkled as he freely joked and laughed whenever he engaged in conversations. He enjoyed telling stories about his Navy experiences. Milton loved his family and had great pride in each one of them. He loved gardening and yard work, was dedicated to hand pulling every last dandelion, played dartball at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, square danced, and later attended weekly fish fries and dance nights with his friend and life partner, the late Marge Risum. He moved to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2000 and had resided in assisted living since 2004.
Milton will be greatly missed by his four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who are his son, Roger Kanitz (Connie) of Menasha and grandson Aaron Kanitz; his son, Daniel Kanitz (Lori) of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Melina Munoz (Wilmer) and great-granddaughter Priscilla Munoz, and granddaughter Salisa Denton (Christopher) and great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Denton; his son, Allan Kanitz (Veda) of Lakeville, MN, and grandchildren Dan (Alicia), Joe, Laura and Katie; and his daughter, Robin Kanitz of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Aimee Ingelse (Greg) and great-grandson Mason Ingelse. He also has three brothers including Roy Kanitz (Ellen) of Belpre, Ohio, the late Gene Kanitz (the late Marianne) of Cedarburg and Robert Kanitz (Barbara) of Manitowoc.
Milton’s family thanks the staff at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton for the superb loving care that they provided Milton these past four years. Thank you for welcoming him as part of your family. We know he made you laugh. We also give our deepest gratitude to the Affinity Hospice staff for helping provide care and comfort for Milton this past year.
Visitation began at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Faith United Methodist Church, 633 Detroit Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Susan Safford-Gaul at 11:00 am at the church, where during the service, Milton's sons Roger and Daniel gave heartfelt eulogies for their father. Interment with military honors took place at the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
NOTE: We extend a very special thank you to "bill" for sponsoring Milton's memorial. Thank you and God bless you for your kindness!
Dan and I spent six hours with his Dad on Monday, December 15th at the nursing home in Appleton, Wisconsin -- 90 years old and suffering from the end stages of Alzheimers. He was conscious, but very in and out, not speaking at all. Sometimes it seemed like he would stop breathing, and then he would gasp.
Dan's brothers and sister-in-law had been with him most of the night and morning, so they went home to rest at about 1:00 p.m.
It was nice that it was just Dan and me in the afternoon, because we talked about anything and everything with him, and we sang all the Christmas carols we could think of.
The Hospice nurse told us Dan's father had hours or days. She felt it was hours. She said it was okay to tell him he could go. I asked Milton a favor, to tell my Becky her Mommy loves her, when he sees her, and he squeezed my hand!
Dan's sister, a high school teacher, arrived as soon as she could after school and the three of us spent precious time with him.
Early this morning we got a call from Dan's brother that their Dad had passed away at about 5:00 a.m.
Dan and I are both grateful for the time we had with his father on his last day.
OUR DAD:
Milton L. Kanitz, age 90 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died at about 5:00 a.m. on December 16, 2014 at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton, after a well-fought battle with Alzheimers.
He was born November 6, 1924 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Laura E. Nimmer and Edwin A. Kanitz.
He graduated from St. John’s Lutheran High School where he was a sprinter on his high school track team. He served three years in the Navy from 1943-46 on the sea plane tender the USS Currituck, AV-7. There he proudly served as Captain’s Orderly and on the 5” Gun Team.
He married Dorothy Robley of Clarks Mills, Wisconsin on May 4, 1949 and moved to Beloit, Wisconsin where he worked as a set-up welder for Fairbanks Morse Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was married to Ann M. Kooistra for 11 years until her death in 1984.
Milton’s eyes sparkled as he freely joked and laughed whenever he engaged in conversations. He enjoyed telling stories about his Navy experiences. Milton loved his family and had great pride in each one of them. He loved gardening and yard work, was dedicated to hand pulling every last dandelion, played dartball at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, square danced, and later attended weekly fish fries and dance nights with his friend and life partner, the late Marge Risum. He moved to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2000 and had resided in assisted living since 2004.
Milton will be greatly missed by his four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who are his son, Roger Kanitz (Connie) of Menasha and grandson Aaron Kanitz; his son, Daniel Kanitz (Lori) of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Melina Munoz (Wilmer) and great-granddaughter Priscilla Munoz, and granddaughter Salisa Denton (Christopher) and great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Denton; his son, Allan Kanitz (Veda) of Lakeville, MN, and grandchildren Dan (Alicia), Joe, Laura and Katie; and his daughter, Robin Kanitz of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Aimee Ingelse (Greg) and great-grandson Mason Ingelse. He also has three brothers including Roy Kanitz (Ellen) of Belpre, Ohio, the late Gene Kanitz (the late Marianne) of Cedarburg and Robert Kanitz (Barbara) of Manitowoc.
Milton’s family thanks the staff at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton for the superb loving care that they provided Milton these past four years. Thank you for welcoming him as part of your family. We know he made you laugh. We also give our deepest gratitude to the Affinity Hospice staff for helping provide care and comfort for Milton this past year.
Visitation began at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Faith United Methodist Church, 633 Detroit Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Susan Safford-Gaul at 11:00 am at the church, where during the service, Milton's sons Roger and Daniel gave heartfelt eulogies for their father. Interment with military honors took place at the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
NOTE: We extend a very special thank you to "bill" for sponsoring Milton's memorial. Thank you and God bless you for your kindness!
THE LAST DAY:
Dan and I spent six hours with his Dad on Monday, December 15th at the nursing home in Appleton, Wisconsin -- 90 years old and suffering from the end stages of Alzheimers. He was conscious, but very in and out, not speaking at all. Sometimes it seemed like he would stop breathing, and then he would gasp.
Dan's brothers and sister-in-law had been with him most of the night and morning, so they went home to rest at about 1:00 p.m.
It was nice that it was just Dan and me in the afternoon, because we talked about anything and everything with him, and we sang all the Christmas carols we could think of.
The Hospice nurse told us Dan's father had hours or days. She felt it was hours. She said it was okay to tell him he could go. I asked Milton a favor, to tell my Becky her Mommy loves her, when he sees her, and he squeezed my hand!
Dan's sister, a high school teacher, arrived as soon as she could after school and the three of us spent precious time with him.
Early this morning we got a call from Dan's brother that their Dad had passed away at about 5:00 a.m.
Dan and I are both grateful for the time we had with his father on his last day.
OUR DAD:
Milton L. Kanitz, age 90 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died at about 5:00 a.m. on December 16, 2014 at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton, after a well-fought battle with Alzheimers.
He was born November 6, 1924 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Laura E. Nimmer and Edwin A. Kanitz.
He graduated from St. John’s Lutheran High School where he was a sprinter on his high school track team. He served three years in the Navy from 1943-46 on the sea plane tender the USS Currituck, AV-7. There he proudly served as Captain’s Orderly and on the 5” Gun Team.
He married Dorothy Robley of Clarks Mills, Wisconsin on May 4, 1949 and moved to Beloit, Wisconsin where he worked as a set-up welder for Fairbanks Morse Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was married to Ann M. Kooistra for 11 years until her death in 1984.
Milton’s eyes sparkled as he freely joked and laughed whenever he engaged in conversations. He enjoyed telling stories about his Navy experiences. Milton loved his family and had great pride in each one of them. He loved gardening and yard work, was dedicated to hand pulling every last dandelion, played dartball at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, square danced, and later attended weekly fish fries and dance nights with his friend and life partner, the late Marge Risum. He moved to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2000 and had resided in assisted living since 2004.
Milton will be greatly missed by his four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who are his son, Roger Kanitz (Connie) of Menasha and grandson Aaron Kanitz; his son, Daniel Kanitz (Lori) of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Melina Munoz (Wilmer) and great-granddaughter Priscilla Munoz, and granddaughter Salisa Denton (Christopher) and great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Denton; his son, Allan Kanitz (Veda) of Lakeville, MN, and grandchildren Dan (Alicia), Joe, Laura and Katie; and his daughter, Robin Kanitz of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Aimee Ingelse (Greg) and great-grandson Mason Ingelse. He also has three brothers including Roy Kanitz (Ellen) of Belpre, Ohio, the late Gene Kanitz (the late Marianne) of Cedarburg and Robert Kanitz (Barbara) of Manitowoc.
Milton’s family thanks the staff at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton for the superb loving care that they provided Milton these past four years. Thank you for welcoming him as part of your family. We know he made you laugh. We also give our deepest gratitude to the Affinity Hospice staff for helping provide care and comfort for Milton this past year.
Visitation began at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Faith United Methodist Church, 633 Detroit Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Susan Safford-Gaul at 11:00 am at the church, where during the service, Milton's sons Roger and Daniel gave heartfelt eulogies for their father. Interment with military honors took place at the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
NOTE: We extend a very special thank you to "bill" for sponsoring Milton's memorial. Thank you and God bless you for your kindness!
Dan and I spent six hours with his Dad on Monday, December 15th at the nursing home in Appleton, Wisconsin -- 90 years old and suffering from the end stages of Alzheimers. He was conscious, but very in and out, not speaking at all. Sometimes it seemed like he would stop breathing, and then he would gasp.
Dan's brothers and sister-in-law had been with him most of the night and morning, so they went home to rest at about 1:00 p.m.
It was nice that it was just Dan and me in the afternoon, because we talked about anything and everything with him, and we sang all the Christmas carols we could think of.
The Hospice nurse told us Dan's father had hours or days. She felt it was hours. She said it was okay to tell him he could go. I asked Milton a favor, to tell my Becky her Mommy loves her, when he sees her, and he squeezed my hand!
Dan's sister, a high school teacher, arrived as soon as she could after school and the three of us spent precious time with him.
Early this morning we got a call from Dan's brother that their Dad had passed away at about 5:00 a.m.
Dan and I are both grateful for the time we had with his father on his last day.
OUR DAD:
Milton L. Kanitz, age 90 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died at about 5:00 a.m. on December 16, 2014 at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton, after a well-fought battle with Alzheimers.
He was born November 6, 1924 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Laura E. Nimmer and Edwin A. Kanitz.
He graduated from St. John’s Lutheran High School where he was a sprinter on his high school track team. He served three years in the Navy from 1943-46 on the sea plane tender the USS Currituck, AV-7. There he proudly served as Captain’s Orderly and on the 5” Gun Team.
He married Dorothy Robley of Clarks Mills, Wisconsin on May 4, 1949 and moved to Beloit, Wisconsin where he worked as a set-up welder for Fairbanks Morse Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was married to Ann M. Kooistra for 11 years until her death in 1984.
Milton’s eyes sparkled as he freely joked and laughed whenever he engaged in conversations. He enjoyed telling stories about his Navy experiences. Milton loved his family and had great pride in each one of them. He loved gardening and yard work, was dedicated to hand pulling every last dandelion, played dartball at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, square danced, and later attended weekly fish fries and dance nights with his friend and life partner, the late Marge Risum. He moved to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2000 and had resided in assisted living since 2004.
Milton will be greatly missed by his four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who are his son, Roger Kanitz (Connie) of Menasha and grandson Aaron Kanitz; his son, Daniel Kanitz (Lori) of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Melina Munoz (Wilmer) and great-granddaughter Priscilla Munoz, and granddaughter Salisa Denton (Christopher) and great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Denton; his son, Allan Kanitz (Veda) of Lakeville, MN, and grandchildren Dan (Alicia), Joe, Laura and Katie; and his daughter, Robin Kanitz of Sheboygan, and granddaughter Aimee Ingelse (Greg) and great-grandson Mason Ingelse. He also has three brothers including Roy Kanitz (Ellen) of Belpre, Ohio, the late Gene Kanitz (the late Marianne) of Cedarburg and Robert Kanitz (Barbara) of Manitowoc.
Milton’s family thanks the staff at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton for the superb loving care that they provided Milton these past four years. Thank you for welcoming him as part of your family. We know he made you laugh. We also give our deepest gratitude to the Affinity Hospice staff for helping provide care and comfort for Milton this past year.
Visitation began at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Faith United Methodist Church, 633 Detroit Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Susan Safford-Gaul at 11:00 am at the church, where during the service, Milton's sons Roger and Daniel gave heartfelt eulogies for their father. Interment with military honors took place at the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
NOTE: We extend a very special thank you to "bill" for sponsoring Milton's memorial. Thank you and God bless you for your kindness!
