Milien E. "Pete" Lovelien, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully Friday, January 8, 2010, at the age of 82, with his loving wife of 59 years and all five of his children at his side.\r\nPete was born in Eau Claire on May 2, 1927, a son of Ludwig and Emmoeline (Demick) Lovelien. \r\nHe entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, and served in World War II until his honorable discharge in 1948. Following his time in the service, Pete traveled all around the country doing wheat harvest, which he enjoyed. \r\nHe married June A. Wik on November 18, 1950, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.\r\nPete was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where he and June were charter members.\r\nHe was employed by Sterling Pulp&Paper for 42 years, retiring as the General Manager of Pope&Talbot. In his spare time, Pete collected Cadillac automobiles and enjoyed motorcycling in his younger days. Pete enjoyed deer hunting with his sons. He also enjoyed music and dancing, going for long rides in the country, and above all else, spending time with his family. Pete will always be remembered by his tender heartedness and complementary, persuasive charm.\r\nPete is survived by his wife June; daughter, Linda Lovelien; daughter, Julianne (Jeff) Strasburg of Apple Valley, MN; son Richard (fiancé Tammy Ernster) Lovelien of Hammond, WI; son, Mark (Pamela) Lovelien of Eau Claire; son, Ron (Michelle) Lovelien of Eau Claire; twelve grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother, Lyman "Poozer" (Bea) Lovelien of Siebring, FL; brother-in-law, Don Larson of Eau Claire; and sister-in-law, Fumiko Lovelien of Orlando, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and co-workers.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Orville; sister, Fern Larson; and mother and father-in-law, Mabel and Anton Wik. \r\nFuneral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire with Pastor Donald Wisner officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post #53 will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

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