Donald "Don" E. Miller's Obituary
Donald (Don) E. Miller, 79 of Racine passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, with his loving family by his side.
Don was born to the late Edwin and Grace (nee Perlberg) Miller on August 28, 1944, in Racine, WI. He was united in marriage to the late Sandra Miller at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Racine, and they were married 55 years before her passing in 2022. They were lifelong members until the church closed.
Don was a man who loved being outdoors and staying active. He took immense pride in his yardwork, always ensuring his lawn was the best-looking one in the neighborhood. Meticulous and organized, Don liked things neat and tidy, but he also had a laid-back and entertaining side that often-caught people by surprise. Don’s grilling skills were renowned, especially his "famous" BBQ chicken, brats, and burgers, which he loved preparing for family gatherings. Some of his happiest times were spent up north with his late brother-in-law Randy, son Jeff, and nephew Fred, enjoying the fresh air, fishing, and socializing.
In recent years, Don stayed active by exercising at the JMBA recreation center and taking bicycle rides. He attended the SCJ 20 Year Club & Retirement Celebrations and was an active member of the Racine Churchman’s Club. His care and dedication to his family were unwavering, always ensuring that his wife, children, and grandchildren were taken care of and happy.
Don had a fulfilling career, holding various positions at S.C. Johnson & Son for 38 years, retiring as a Production Planner in 2006. His legacy of hard work, love for family, and joy in the simple pleasures of life will always be remembered.
He is survived by his children: Jody (Ted) Riendeau, Jeffrey Miller and Julie (Max) Munoz; grandchildren: Collin Wesley (Janae Barnhill), Jared Monson, Sydney Monson (Holden Rook), Dominic Miller, Samara Miller and Gannon Munoz; great-grandson Levi Wesley; sister Doris (Ron) Brown as well as nieces, nephews and many more family and friends.
Don is preceded in death by his wife Sandra Miller; brothers David Miller and Dean Miller; brother-in-law Randall Laehr, sister-in-law Barbara Laehr; father-in-law and mother-in-law Everett (Bud) and Irene Laehr; nephews Phillip Hart and Fredrick Laehr.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home on Thursday until the time of service. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com to share online condolences and memories of Don.
Memorial donations to honor Don's memory can be made to support cancer research at https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Donald-E-Miller. Your contributions will help fight against small cell lung cancer and bring hope to others.
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