Michael C. Milliren

I regret long-distance friendship doesn't always allow one to keep up with friends; I just learned of Mike's passing, in trying to find his address to send a Christmas card. Mike and I were best friends in Columbus, Ind., where both of us had early jobs. "I are an accountant," he often said, displaying his wacky sense of humor. I remember his kelly-green Dodge he drove around town, and knew he enjoyed golfing. Mike and I palled around quite a bit; once he accompanied me to visit my relatives in Kentucky. After I left Columbus to spend a year abroad, he wrote to me while I was freelance writing and studying in Sweden. He called it "free-spiriting," which it was. We shared our distaste for the corporate life in Columbus. Mike introduced me to brandy old-fashioneds, and I think of him every time I make them: a twist of orange, a maraschino cherry, or two, bitters to taste, brandy, and a bit of ginger ale or such, instead of sugar water. That's become my winter drink that Mike taught me. I loved that guy, and am in tears learning he passed. Blessings to his family, including Mary, his second wife, and Jeanne, his first, whom I knew. I now remember the rock music Mike liked, but I don't know how to spell it. Rest in peace, my friend.

See you later my friend. I have several fond memories of you from our years at OW High School and beyond. God bless you and your family.

Another magnificent 212 leader has passed away, but not before leaving MATC and Local 212 stronger than when he first came on campus. Mike Milliren, retired MATC Accounting Instructor, died on December 26, 2019 after a long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife Mary, two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren. After graduating from UW-Whitewater, Mike worked in public accounting for three year before realizing his passion was educating young people. He transitioned to MATC where he taught for 32 ½ years, retiring in 2008. Mike joined Local 212 shortly after he was hired and became active in the faculty and professional staff union. He was elected as the Local’s Financial Secretary in 1979 and also served as the Chair of the Constitution Committee. As former 212 Executive VP Charlie Dee recalled,”Mike was a sage and calming presence when I joined him on the Exec Board in 1981. Unlike some of us, he never raised his voice, but he was passionate about MATC’s mission, our students’ futures, and the essential role faculty played in joint-decision making for the college.” Dee said he learned a tremendous amount from Milliren about union governance. “He was in charge of our Bylaws and Procedures Manual, and he was systematic about getting rid of old language and keeping everything up to date,” Dee explained. “He taught me that you don’t establish rules for when things are going well and everyone is unified, but for the worst case scenarios.” In 1985, Mike was elected Second Vice President of Local 212, responsible for the organization’s budget and financial management. He served in that position under the leadership of Local 212 President Ernie Schnook until 1997. During that time the Local made significant gains in compensation, benefits, faculty rights and in expanding its services to the membership. Retired Local 212 Chief Negotiator Frank Shansky said, “During the most arduous times, I could always count on Mike’s wisdom to guide me. He never sought the limelight. His humility and low-key nature masked a fierce devotion to the principles of fairness and equity.” Mike devoted endless hours to his students and the MATC faculty, counselors and staff. His work, largely behind the scenes, allowed other, more visible 212 leaders to work effectively on behalf of the membership. Thousands of MATC employees, both retired and active, have better, more secure lives because of Mike Milliren. After Mike retired, he remained active with Local 212, spending hours organizing its files that go all the way back to its founding in 1930. His work enabled a history of the 1969 strike to be written and will allow future generations of union members to relate to our past. This is an incalculable legacy that Mike leaves behind. Mike also volunteered for MATC’s tax return service program, which provides free tax filing services to the community. Mike was the consummate professional, dedicated to his students and his colleagues: in short, the perfect union leader. He will be missed.

Mike and I started first grade Together at Holy Rosary and proceeded through high school. He was very soft spoken and very kind. We have been Facebook friends, but I had no idea that he was ill. I would like to send condolences to his family and friends. May you find peace in your memories.

Mike was a good friend all through high school and we later reconnected thru face book ..So sorry to hear of Mikes passing . May our Heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around you and your family giving you comfort, peace and strength for the days ahead.

So sorry for your loss of Mike. He was a great classmate of mine.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.