Milo Cole Jones

After a full life devoted to his family and his community, Milo Cole Jones died May 10, 2025 at Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson’s Creek Wisconsin. Milo was born on January 25, 1930 to Alan P. and Eleanor B. Jones, the youngest of three brothers. Milo grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Milo was part of the fifth generation of the Jones family involved in Jones Dairy Farm, the Fort Atkinson sausage company founded in 1889. Milo went to work for Jones Dairy Farm after law school, and his tenure there spanned more than 35 years.  In 1983, he was the first of the fifth generation of Joneses to be named to lead the company, taking over for his uncle Edward (Bud) Jones. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board from 1983 until his retirement in 1995.  He served as an emeritus Director for the rest of his life.

In 1958, Milo married Joan Sexton. They had four children: Mary, Margaret, Tom and Jenny. Milo was a life-long learner and avid reader.  He also had a passion for travel, which notably included a 1953 canoe trip from the Rock River in Fort Atkinson down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, Louisiana.  Milo filled his family’s life with music – he was a talented pianist who could play almost any tune he heard by ear. He also enjoyed singing, and, much to the delight of his nieces and nephews, he was a prodigious whistler.  His athletic endeavors included tennis and cycling.  He loved word games, crossword puzzles and card games. He was the master of the offhand comment and a maestro of dry wit.

Throughout his life, Milo was devoted to his home town. He showed his love for the community by serving in a number of roles, including: member of the Board of Directors of the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce; one of the founding members of the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation; member of the Board of Directors of Opportunities Inc., including serving as the Board president when it built its headquarters and manufacturing operation; member of the Fort Atkinson Historical Society Board of Directors, including serving as President of the Board when the Lincoln-era Library was developed and co-chairing the fundraising drive to build the Hoard Historical Museum’s “Mysteries of the Mounds” building addition; serving many years as the Secretary of the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry as well as taking shifts as a volunteer at the Food Pantry helping to sort distribute food; playing a key role in the founding effort to restore and open the Fort Atkinson Club and Community Center; being a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, including serving several years as the Church’s treasurer; being a Big Brother for 10 years for Big Brothers of Rock, Walworth and Jefferson Counties.

Milo was predeceased by his brothers Alan P. Jones (Jean) and William B. Jones, his brother-in- law Richard (Dick) Sexton (Joan Sexton), and his brother-in-law James Sexton (Joyce Sexton). He is survived by his wife of 66 years Joan, his children Mary, Margaret (Mike Ferro), Tom (Charis), and Jenny (Craig Brown), his grandchildren Chris Ferro (Alexis), Milo Brown, Ben Brown, and Vida Jones, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 14 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fort Atkinson at 10 am.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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