William Miller

MADISON – William James “Bill” Miller, age 87, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016. Bill was born in Madison on February 11, 1929, the son of Earl Wood Miller and Marion Adeline (Mullarkey) Miller. He attended school in Madison until moving to Cambridge, WI to live with his foster parents, Bill and Venis Lein on their farm. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1949. On September 30, 1950 he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Tjugum at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bill and Donna had been Madison neighbors and stayed best friends from third grade on. They were blessed with two loving daughters, Sherry Ann and Kari Serena. Bill worked for the City of Madison Street Division as an Equipment Operator for 38 years, retiring in 1989. He served as Vice President and Steward of Local 236, wrote and negotiated the first union contract. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving as Usher, Teller, Wedding and Funeral Server. Bill spent much time at sporting events and on vacations with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Vacations to China, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, multiple trips to Europe, and extensive travel throughout the United States were highlights. He liked being outdoors best, whether working, fishing, hunting or working for the Lien Brothers on their farm. Throughout his life he maintained and valued friendships from his Eken Park, Madison, and Hillside, Cambridge neighbors.

He is survived by his wife Donna and his daughter Kari (Jeff) Wilcox of Madison; four grandchildren Taylor and Teagan Wilcox, Alicia and Hunter Krone; great granddaughter, Alaina Tucker; brother, Donald (Connie); sister-in-law, Karen, and many wonderful nieces and nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, daughter Sherry Miller-Krone, brothers George and Richard, niece Connie, and nephew Leslie.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 23, 2016 at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2126 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, with Rev. Gerry Kuhnke presiding. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and again from 10:00 AM until time of service on Friday at the church. Burial at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona.

Bill wanted to thank all his family, extended family, friends and relatives for creating his meaningful and enjoyable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com