Milton (Milt) Cornette

Milton "Milt" Cornette, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Wrightstown, Wisconsin, on February 11, 2025. Born on April 15, 1936, in Green Bay to Joseph and Amanda (Schultz) Cornette, Milt lived a life full of adventure, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He married Marlene Raether on May 25, 1957, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, and Milt is now reunited with her after her passing one year ago.

He attended Lakeview School in the Town of Clay Banks through 8th grade and graduated from Algoma High School, Class of 1954. Milt embarked on a diverse career path (wherever he could get a job) that began at the young age of 14 with the Larsen Company. Throughout his life, he worked at various companies, including Leyse Aluminum, Plumbers Woodwork, Craft Electric, and Joe Zettel Construction. Milt started in the farm supply business with Knauf & Tesch in 1960, working in Kaukauna in 1961 until coming to Greenleaf as Mill Manager in 1964, then establishing Cornette Farm Supply with Marlene in 1965, a venture that exemplified Milton’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving the needs of his community.

Milt was a member of the Army National Guard for six years and a lifelong enthusiast of the outdoors. He held a pilot's license and had memorable flight adventures in his 180 Piper Cherokee. An ardent supporter of charitable causes, Milt helped raise over $1 million for the MS Society through his snowmobile tours for a cause close to his heart. He was well known for his famous fish fry and trout boils, that many people throughout the community enjoyed. His enthusiasm for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycle trips, golfing, and playing cards (especially his Tuesday group at Wimpy’s Casino) provided countless memories and friendships. He would play the role of Santa Claus for anyone who asked - and even some who didn't!

Milt held positions in several organizations, including the Kaukauna Jaycees, Greenleaf Lions Club, NWTC Young Farmers, 4-H Animal Auction, and was an original member of the EZ Riders Snowmobile Club, now known as the Greenleaf Riders. Milt was also a member of the Door County Drifters Snowmobile Club. His community support extended to the many sports teams he sponsored and time spent cheering them on with Marlene. He proudly served as a director at Greenleaf Wayside Bank for 42 years and was a dedicated, faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church (St. Clare Parish) since 1964.

Milt is survived by his children: Mike (Denise Nemetz), Mark (Lois), Jeff (Lora) and Shelly (Bill) Farrell; grandchildren: Danielle (Matt) Van Camp, Jamie (Terry) Petersen, Loryn (Ross) Wiese, Courtney (Cody) Kane, Melanie (Mike) Tomlinson, Sabrina (Brandon) Schroeder, Liam Farrell, Ryan (BZ) Farrell, McKenzie (Alex) Rosenquist, Breana Farrell (Clay Olson); great-grandchildren: Kaeden, Jordy and Cora Van Camp; Narelle and Monroe Petersen; Murphy and Presley Wiese; Cashton, Cason and Cooper Kane; Myles and Mya Tomlinson; Kaden Schroeder; Sully, Sloane and Imogen Farrell; sister: Donna (Dale) Marsh; sister-in-law Colleen Cornette; Marlene's siblings: Karen Schuster, Don "Charlie" Raether, Steve (Loie) Raether; as well as nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Marlene, he was preceded in death by his grandchildren: Tyler and Tiffany Cornette; daughter-in-law Connie Cornette; siblings: Dick Cornette, Don (Dolores) Cornette and Mary (Don) Beamer; brother-in-law Jerry Schuster; as well as Marlene’s parents: Elmer and Marie Raether.

Family and friends may visit at the Cotter Family Gathering Center, 518 Meadow Lane, Wrightstown, on Monday, February 17, from 3-7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at St. Clare Parish, St. Mary Site, 2218 Day Street, Greenleaf, from 9:00-10:30am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating and Fr. Bob Kabat as homilist. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

Our family would like to thank Milt's dear friends, Carl and Delores Frelich, as well as Officer Gary De Winter from the Wrightstown Police Department and County Rescue for their compassionate care.