SPARTA - Milo David Abbott, 74, could no longer fight his courageous battle with cancer and died peacefully at home May 22, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Milo was born July 19, 1947 in Cataract, WI to Nellie Mae (Millard) and Archie Milo Abbott. He grew up in a family with 11 siblings. He had to work hard from an early age.
Milo held many jobs before being drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. He was very proud to have served his country, but it took him years before he ever shared his amazing stories. He was the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts.
Milo started working for the Milwaukee Railroad in 1969, with two name changes, Soo Line and finally CP Rail. He retired early because of health reasons in 2004 after 35 years.
Milo was united in marriage to Sheila Bernett on January 31, 1970 and truly cherished the 52 years they enjoyed together. They were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters.
Milo was a caring, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He thought the world of all his family and loved them with his whole heart.
Milo enjoyed the outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing or trapping with family and friends. Car racing was a must and he enjoyed watching friends race in the area and beyond. He watched Nascar races and never missed a Packer or Brewer game, sometimes watching one on TV and listening to the other on the radio. Many happy times were spent with family and friends at the family cabin in Hatfield, WI; whether it be fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, or just relaxing around the campfire.
Milo is survived by his wife, Sheila Abbott; his daughters, Jodi Mutschler and Gretchen Abbott; his grandchildren, Derek Mutschler (Taylor), Macie and Ethan Mutschler, and Braeden Abbott; and his great grandson, Jace Mutschler. He is also survived by his sisters, Leona Rhymer and Linda Abbott; and his mother-in-law, Tootie Bernett; along with many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Chuck, Sam, and Roger; sisters, Marion, Bonnie, Betty, Naomi, Liz, and Lucille; father-in-law, Russell Bernett; and son-in-law, Ryan Mutschler.
We would like to thank all the special nurses in the infusion room at Tomah Health, the nurses and doctors at Gundersen Cancer Center in Tomah, and St. Croix Hospice for all their compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 of Sparta, will be at Cataract Cemetery, with his grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers: Derek Mutschler, Macie Mutschler, Ethan Mutschler, and Braeden Abbott.
A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials in Milo’s name may be given to SACS or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation are assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
