Husband, father, uncle, grandfather, fisherman, hunter, musician, Sergeant First Class Red Arrow 32nd Division, baseball All-Star and youth coach, Scoutmaster, and friend – those things barely scratch the surface of this man. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Milton Francis Hassemer on the 7th of March, 2022.
Milt was born on January 16, 1930, to parents Charles and Mathilda (Ahl) Hassemer, and grew up on the family farm in Francis Creek. Milt graduated from Mishicot High School with the Class of 1948 and continued his education at Milwaukee School of Engineering studying refrigeration. He worked several jobs and then began with the Manitowoc County Highway Department in 1951, where he made many lasting friendships and retired after 40 years.
Food was high on Milt’s list of favorite things. He loved pork hocks with sauerkraut and knew exactly when kraut was on the menu at Wagner’s Restaurant in Francis Creek. He was chef extraordinaire when it came to trout and salmon fish boils made with fish he harvested from Lake Michigan. It was easy for him to cook for crowds of 30 or more. Music was another passion of Milt’s. He enjoyed playing saxophone with the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble and Big Band for over 25 years, and also with the Wayside Morrison Concert band for many years.
Milt is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann (Schmatz) Hassemer; sons, Mike and Ranada (Benfield) Hassemer (Soldotna, AK), Peter Hassemer and Patty Haller (Boise, ID), Jeff and Judy (Huske) Hassemer (Maribel, WI); and daughter, Jane and Mike Traffalis (Ridgefield, WA). Grandchildren include, Aaron (Ami) Hassemer, Carolyn (Nathan) Punt, Dan Hassemer, Maggie Hassemer (special friend, Jeff Schnell), and John and Alexandra Traffalis. Great-grandchildren include, Brooklyn and Jacklyn Hassemer and Lucas and Lauren Punt. Milt is further survived by brother-in-law, Jim Tuma; and sisters-in-law, Jean Hassemer, Betty Musial, and Francis McDonnell; and many nieces and nephews.
Milt was preceded in death by his sister, Laverne Tuma; and brothers, Harold and Ralph Hassemer. He is further preceded in death by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Laverne Hassemer, Art (Marilyn) Schmatz, Jim (Marion) Dhein, Harold ‘Mac’ McDonnell, Ray Musial, Robert (Delores) Schmatz, and Joe Schmatz.
We wonder where Milt’s last dreams carried him. It could have been one last concert playing with the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble, Lakeshore Big Band, or Wayside Morrison Concert Band; maybe on the Hunting River chasing trout, on Green Bay catching perch, or hunting deer at George’s cottage; a trip to the casino with Fred and Audrey Kerscher; attending events with his grandkids; or just relaxing in his favorite chair watching the Packers. Most likely it is out on Lake Michigan trolling for salmon and lake trout–he so enjoyed that. Happy fishing Miltie; catch a big one!
The family would like to extend special thanks to Mark and Mary Hassemer, Tracy Carviou, Cheryl Link, Sara Havlovitz, Susie Kornely, and the Holy Family Hospice team for all their caring help.
The family will hold a private service to observe Milt’s passing. Memorials in honor of Milt may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
