---

Robert (Bob) Milligan, age 85, of Centuria, Wis., died Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center, in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

He was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Centuria, Wis., to Charles and Ethel (Kaye) Milligan. He was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. Bob grew up in Centuria and graduated from high school in 1939. After graduation he worked for several local farmers.

Jan. 6, 1942, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After basic training at Jefferson Barracks, in Missouri. He attended school in Buffalo, New York; Florida; Great Falls, Mont.; Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash.; and Wichita, Kansas. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and was a flight engineer serving as a crew member on B-29s, B-17s, B-24s and C-54. Bob was a member of the 7th Ferrying Group in Great Falls, Mont., and was involved in the delivery of Lend Lease Aircraft to Alaska for the Russians and for the China-Burma-India Theater. He was assigned to the Air Transport Command for the Liberation of the Philippine Islands, Shanghai and Okinawa, and the surrender and occupation of Japan.

Bob was honorably discharged at Truax Air Field, Madison, Wis., Nov. 16, 1945. For his military service he was awarded the following medals and commendations: Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, China-Burma-India Campaign Medal, China Liberation Medal, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

After he was discharged from the service, Bob began farming. He met Violet Kessler and June 5, 1948, they were married at Grace Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, Wis. To this union four children were born.

In April 1959 Bob purchased Centuria Implement and Feed. In 1965 the business was moved to the present location on Highway 35 becoming Milligan Implement, selling Massey-Ferguson, Gehl and New Idea farm equipment. In 1986, Bob and son Jim became partners in Milligan Mobile Homes.

Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 346 for 58 years and held every office. He was a member of the former Centuria Community Club and was treasurer. He was a charter member of the Fristad Foundation. He attended reunions of the 7th Ferrying Group for many years in Great Falls, Montana, and was a charter member of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Grace; brother, John; son, Steven; brothers-in-law: Clarence Nelson, Percy Nelson, Melvin Klawitter and Otto Cloeter; sisters-in-law: Bernice Milligan, Ellen Cloeter and nephew, David Nelson.

He is survived by wife of 56 years, Violet; daughter, Karen Hart; son, Jim (Diane) Milligan; daughter, Janet (Curt) Carlson; nine grandchildren: Brelynn, Tony and Katie Hart; Julie, Jennifer and Rebecca Milligan; and Andrew, Gretchen and Tom Carlson; sisters-in-law, Emma Klawitter and Irene Nelson; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, May 14, 2005, at Fristad Lutheran Church, Centuria, Wis., with Pastor Mel Rau officiating. Internment was at St. John’s Cemetery. Edling Funeral Home handled the service.

---