Millie Marie Burish, age 53, formerly of Thornapple Lane, Campbellsport, WI died at home Sunday morning, July 31, 2016 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Millie was born May 12, 1963 (Mother’s Day) in Manitowoc, WI, the seventh child (first daughter) of Ronald and Mary Jane (Kochan) Burish.  She was a 1981 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc.  Her favorite pastimes were: spending time with her loving partner of 10 years, Kurt, her kids and granddaughter; watching movies (black and whites were the best); relaxing by a campfire; and playing killer solitaire with the girls, along with rummy and cribbage.  Throughout her life, Millie managed and tended bar for many local establishments, gaining the reputation of making the best whiskey old fashioneds in the tri-county area.  Over the years, if she moved on to other establishments, patrons would follow her.  She loved being behind the bar and kibitzing with people. Millie’s personality always touched everyone she met, with her wonderful sense of humor, no-nonsense attitude, her beautiful, gentle smile, and hugs so tight you would still feel them hours later.
Survivors include her parents, Ronald and Mary Jane Burish, Manitowoc and Palmetto, FL; loving partner Kurt Grimm, Campbellsport; and two children, Vanessa Goll with husband Brian, Jackson; and Patrick Filtz, Draper, UT.  Millie was also blessed with a beautiful granddaughter Ellie “Boo”, daughter of Vanessa and Brian.  Millie leaves behind six siblings and their respective spouses and partners:  Peter (Marilyn) Burish, Manitowoc; Andy (Julie) Burish, Brookfield; Tony Burish (Barb Borths), Two Rivers; Jeff Burish (Dee Harp), Manitowoc; Casey (Dawn) Burish, Conifer, CO; and Laura Burish (John Murphy), Vernon Hills, IL, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Millie was preceded in death by one brother, Patrick. In addition, during Millie’s courageous fight, she lost an ally in her beloved ‘boy’ Zeus (a wonder-dog who alerted Millie to the cancer before she was initially diagnosed, and a second time after Millie’s surgery, when the cancer had returned).  She felt his loss deeply.
A celebration of Millie’s life will take place at Vineyard Community Church at 1597 Co Hwy V in Grafton, WI on Thursday, August 11th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, Millie’s family asks that donations be made to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation (http://www.froedtert.com/giving/foundation/make-a-gift), the Born Free Foundation which takes action worldwide to save animals, stop suffering, and protect species in the wild (http://www.bornfree.org.uk/give/), or a local animal rescue organization/shelter of your choice.
Millie’s family would like to thank Dr. Stuart Wong, Dr. Katherine Recka, their office staff, and the entire staff at the Froedtert Clinical Cancer Center; as well as, Froedtert Hospital for their care and efforts.  You gave us hope when there was none, giving us quality time with Millie that we would not have gotten elsewhere, and did the best that could be done. Thank you for your compassion and care.