Loid Richard Atkinson

PORTAGE  --  Loid Richard Atkinson moved to his eternal home on March 7, 2015.  A man who truly enjoyed people from all walks of life, he made the most of his life, and lived well, laughed often, and was loved by many.

Loid was born in Sheboygan, WI on June 24, 1930 to Loid and Lillian Atkinson.  Shortly thereafter, the family moved to their home in Portage, where Loid attended St. Mary’s School.  He then went to high school at Culver Military Academy, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the track team. His next home was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated with his Bachelors in Business, enjoyed being a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity, lettered all four years as a hurdler for the UW track team, and was the 1950 – 1951 State AAU High Hurdle Champion.  After college, he served two years in the army as a 1st Lieutenant in Fort Eustis, VA, and during the Korean War as the Army’s Supply Officer in Thule, Greenland.

Looking to continue his education, Loid enrolled in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his Master’s Degree in the School of Retailing, graduating 2nd in his class, and was inducted into the Eta Mu Pi National Honorary Retailing Society.  The week after he graduated, he returned to Portage to manage the family business, Atkinson’s Department Store, where he worked until it closed in 1977.  In 1974 he opened a chain of Julie Ann Fabric Stores, and in 1985, his career moved into real estate when he opened Realty World Town and Country, where he worked until his retirement.  Loid was an integral part of the Portage business community for most of his life, and contributed his time and talents until retirement.

 He enjoyed his involvement in local civic and social organizations, including the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Curling Club, Portage Country Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Portage Elks Club, where he served as Exalted Ruler and reinstated the Christmas Basket Program to fill and deliver holiday food baskets.  He was active in state politics in the 1960’s, appointed to the Governor’s Committee for the Restoration of the Portage Canal and Fort Winnebago, the Portage Historical Society, the Zona Gale Society, Columbia County Mental Health Association, Swan Lake Association, Fond du Lac Yacht Club, lifetime member of the University of Wisconsin “W” Club, and founded the Columbia County Board of Realtors.  A very philanthropic person, he helped raise money to build the Portage pool, support the PHS Torch Club, and contributed his time and resources to many other local organizations.   A man of many talents, he especially enjoyed downhill skiing, flying, sailing, UW Football Games, golf, and socializing with many friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by Janet, his loving wife of 31 years;  his sisters Nancy (Paul) Breitsprecher, Ft. Atkinson, Peggy (Tim) Dean, Madison, and  Pattie Scotto (Jim Reid), Atlanta, GA; his children Terry (Harry) Quinn, Lake Geneva, Loid Atkinson, III, Wilmington, NC, Cathy Atkinson, Madison, and Joe Atkinson, Jupiter, FL; his grandchildren Sami (Pete) Fylling, Chrissi Quinn, Cat Quinn, Lily Quinn, Loid Atkinson, IV, and Caroline Atkinson; and many dear extended family and friends who have shared his journey through life. A special thank you to those who cared for him at the Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.