Milton Isaacson
December 21, 1916 - April 2, 2008

My thoughts on "Grandpa Milt"

It's tough to summarize the impact that Grandpa Milt had on my life. I'll always remember his strong work ethic, his limitless wisdom, and his devotion to family. Even in his last days, he continued to give me advice and guidance to encourage and empower me in all that I do. I certainly miss him a lot.

Grandpa Milt rarely had a reason to call us, but when he left a message on our answering machine, I always saved it. It is now my great pleasure to share these messages with you.
  • Forgets a Number - You might expect a lot of grandparents to forget things, but Grandpa Milt was usually as sharp as a tack. You can hear his subtle laughter as he forgets, but then recalls, his own phone number.
  • Push the Off Button - Grandpa had an opportunity to use a cordless phone (a rarity for him) when visiting Uncle Jerry and family. He was going to drop by our place on his way back home, but we were out.
  • Birthday Wishes for Jenelle - Grandpa didn't get Jenelle a card for her birthday. I'd rather have a personalized phone message, and Jenelle agrees. Thanks, Grandpa!


Blessed: The Milt Isaacson Story
This is a video I made when we celebrated Grandpa Milt's 90th birthday party in 2006. It's a great summary of his life, and there is also a family photo album at the 19:30 mark.


Experience the Memorial Service

The audio of Grandpa Milt's memorial service is available for download in multiple MP3 files, along with PDF files of the order of service.


Obituary

Racine, WI - Milton Jerome Isaacson passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 21, 1916, to Marcus John Isaacson and Anna Marie (nee: Peterson) Isaacson. He was raised on the family farm in Mount Pleasant. On October 18, 1941, he married Angeline Callewaert, who preceded him in death on October 12, 1981.

He proudly served in the United States Merchant Marine from December, 1943 until August, 1945. He worked on the Racine Fire Department for 27 years, retiring as a Captain in 1974. Endeavoring to share his musical talents, he sang with both the Racine Church Singers and the Racine Dairy Statesmen for 23 years. He was a lifetime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Racine, serving on numerous boards, committees, and teams to further the congregation's ministry efforts.

A master craftsman, he constructed three homes and a cottage. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 430 for 40 years. He restored antiques, especially clocks, and impressed family members with his ability to repair items of all kinds.

As he celebrated his 90th birthday, Milt remarked, "Not only am I blessed now, but I've been richly blessed all my life. I don't know how I could have had a better life. Everyone in my family - they all turned out good. That's God's doing. I'm really blessed. I couldn't be blessed more than I am."

Milt is survived by four children, Jerome (Nancy) Isaacson of Sturtevant, Gail (Michael) May of Lodi, Thomas (Patricia) Isaacson of Racine, and Daniel (Sandra) Isaacson of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; one sister, Ione Oertel of Sturtevant; three brothers, Richard (Jeannette) Isaacson of Racine, Robert Isaacson of Tacoma, Wash., and Paul (Deloris) Isaacson of Sturtevant; two sisters-in-law, Hillery Isaacson of Union Grove and Mary Isaacson of Milwaukee; two brothers-in- law, Leonard Callewaert of Franksville and Arthur Callewaert of Franksville; and a special dear friend, Geraldine Paddock of Racine.

He was known lovingly as Grandpa Milt to seven grandchildren, Eric (Gina) Isaacson of Racine, Andrew (Holly) Isaacson of Eden Prairie, Minn., Benjamin (Jenelle) Isaacson of Kenosha, Laura May of Scottsdale, Ariz., Todd Isaacson of League City, Texas, Dyan (Damian) Gouff of Springfield, Ill., and Katie Isaacson of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and five great-grand- children, Hunter, Tanner, and Mykenna Isaacson of Racine and Ella and Lily Isaacson of Eden Prairie, Minn. In addition to his loving wife, Angie, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Adrion and Merlin; and one grandson, Ryan May.

Funeral services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2219 Washington Avenue, on Monday, April 7, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Tracy Polzin officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday, April 6, 2008, from 2 until 5 p.m. and at the church on Monday before services from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lutherdale Bible Camp, Elkhorn, or Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Racine.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to those who joined us in providing loving and compassionate care for Milt, Dr. Thomas Goodrich and the staff at All Saints Health Care and the staff from Hospice and HomeInstead.