Russell Eugene Miller of Hortonville peacefully passed away at age 86 in his home on August 18, 2019 after a courageous three-year battle with prostate and bone cancer.
Russell was a God-fearing man, devoted husband, loving father and tireless provider for his family. His lasting legacy will be the strong work ethic, integrity and resourcefulness that he taught his children and grandchildren, affectionately referred to as “the Miller Way” among his family. Russell was born in Helvetia Township, Waupaca County, WI on October 9, 1932 and created life-long friendships at Shady Grove Grade School and Little Wolf High School in Manawa, walking three miles, uphill both ways, in several feet of snow. Upon graduation in 1950, Russell worked at local farms until he entered the Marine Corps three years later. While on leave, Russell met the future love-of-his-life, Delores June Zillmer of Marion, at the free local movies. Russell and Delores were married on May 25, 1957 and built a family together. Russell worked for Appleton-area construction firms and raised cattle until returning to dairy farming full-time in 1971. The growing family moved from Greenville to a larger farm in Hortonville in 1977. This is what Russell called home for the rest of his life. A man of few wasted words but an abundance of unforgettable stories, Russell loved to visit friends and family whenever the daily rigors of dairy farming allowed. Russell particularly enjoyed sixty-four consecutive New Year’s Eve celebrations with close friends Ken and Hilda Glocke and Dave and Donna Polzin. Russell began retiring in 1993 when the dairy cows ran down the road. Whenever a break from baling hay allowed, the couple then began traveling the world, ultimately visiting all fifty states and over two dozen foreign countries. In his retirement, Russell traded his tractors for a lawnmower and his crops for a garden. Not even a 2011 tornado that destroyed most of the farm buildings could stop him. Russell also loved playing cards, polka dancing and gardening. In 2014, Russell proudly participated in a Marine Corps Honor Flight to Washington DC, accompanied by his son, Matthew.
Russell is survived by his sister JoAnn Goettel of Black Creek; wife Delores; two daughters Robin Miller and Marianne Knops (Scott); three sons Keith Miller, Richard Miller (Sharon) and Matthew Miller (Lisa); twelve grandchildren Madeline McCannon (fiancé Damien), Connor McCannon, Alyse Miller, Tierney Miller, Cassidy Knops, Elena Knops, Colin Miller, Joshua Miller, Dayne Miller, Sean Knops, Oliver Miller and Tucker Miller; and numerous loved extended-family members.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents Louie and Elsie Miller; three brothers Carl Miller, Marlyn Miller and Leroy Miller; and four sisters Dorothy Osvienko, Gladys Leach, Joyce Helms and infant Donna.
The funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, W7265 School Road, Greenville at 11:30am on Saturday, August 24, 2019 with Rev. John Qualmann officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Luncheon to follow at the Miller home, N2021 County Road M, Hortonville. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Borchardt Moder Funeral Home
109 W. Main St.
Hortonville, WI 54944
920-779-4588
www.borchardtmoderfuneralhome.com