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Earl Miller Obituary

Miller, Earl "Mike"

Our beloved Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, Earl "Mike" Miller, 89, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2014 surrounded by his family at a local nursing home. Dad lived a life filled with passion for his work, loyal service to his community and a deep love for his wife and family. Dad was born June 5, 1925, in Chilton, WI to Roland and Elsie Miller. After graduating from Chilton High School and serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 98th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, he attended St. Norbert College, graduating in 1949. He went on to receive his Masters Degrees from UW-Madison and UW-Stout.

After returning from the war in 1946, he married our mother, the love of his life, Ina Claire Schucht in Chilton, WI on September 11, 1947. Mom preceded him in death in 2004. Mike and Ina Claire found joy in the fact that they were born a day apart in Chilton, and he often commented that she was sent to him from above. He and Ina Claire were blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His career in teaching and high school athletics began in Casco, WI in 1949, teaching Social Studies as well as coaching Football, Basketball and Baseball. In 1952, Mike moved to Chilton where he coached the same three sports.

All who knew "Coach", realize that beginning in 1954, he bled Purple and White for his West High Wildcats. During his tenure at Green Bay West from 1954 until his final retirement in 1986, he held positions as a History Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Vice-Principal. His passion for teaching and coaching young people earned him great respect from generations of youth and their families whose lives he impacted.

As an assistant and head football coach for Green Bay West, he won numerous sectional, regional and conference championships. He was named Fox River Valley Conference Coach of the Year three times and Green Bay All-Metro Coach of the Year twice. Mike was awarded the Fox Cities Sports award at the Red Smith program in 1981. The Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Association recognized him for 34 years of coaching in 1986. In 1988, Mike received the National School Public Relations Award of Honor and the Outstanding Service Award for service to youth in Green Bay. In 1992, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Coaches Football Association Hall of Fame in Madison, WI. In addition, he was inducted into the St. Norbert College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dad believed in the importance of serving his community and living the American Constitution. He was elected to eight consecutive terms as a member of the Green Bay City Council and the Brown County Board of Supervisors. As a member of the Green Bay City Council, he served four years as council vice-president and four years as president. He was a member of the American Legion, the AMVETS, the Green Bay Elks, the Green Bay Drug and Alcohol Abuse Alliance, and was also active as a Boy Scout leader for many years. Dad was a longtime member of Annunciation Parish, and served the parish as a dedicated volunteer. He also loved the outdoors, spending time fishing and hunting with his family and singing along with anyone who would join him.

Dad was a man of high integrity, and set high standards for himself and others around him. We were blessed to have him as a role model each day. He had strong faith in God, and expressed this in the way he lived his life.

Mike is survived by his six children, Dan (Anne), Shawano, WI; Mike (Anne), Green Bay; Chris Nelson, Greeley, CO; Tom (Mary Beth), Green Bay; Katie (Paul) Ruiz, Green Bay; and Susie (Ivo) Montes de Oca, Lawrence, KS; seventeen grandchildren, Hannah, Rachel and Leah Miller, Kristin (Nick) Karnitz, Joe (Kaylinn) Miller, Michael and Katie Parins, Megan, Ryan and Aaron Miller, Zachary (Glynnis), Mitchell, Sara and Sam Ruiz, Matthew, Jameson and Bryce Montes de Oca; three great-grandchildren, Grant, Nolan and Andrew Karnitz. Mike is further survived by his sisters; Joan Bruckner, Chilton, WI; Nancy (Erv) Nolan, Albuquerque, NM; and Gretchen (Jim) Bloomer, Chilton; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy (Ray) Ricker, Chilton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Claire; his parents, Roland and Elsie Miller; his in-laws, Howard and Edna Schucht; his sister, Marilyn Nolan; his brother-in-law, George Bruckner; and son-in-law, Ron Nelson.

Visitation will be held at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 29. A Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 Gray Str., from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Donald Everts and Rev. Dennis Ryan concelebrating. Entombment will be at the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers we wish to honor Dad's legacy through donations to the Coach Earl "Mike" Miller Scholarship Fund established through the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation which will benefit students and athletes of Green Bay West High. tinyurl.com/millerscholarship



We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staffs of Renaissance and Rennes, in addition to the staffs of St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care of Dad over the past several years. In addition, no words can express how much it meant to Dad to have visits from his friends, former students and athletes. We are so very grateful.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Aug. 26 to Aug. 29, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Earl Miller

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Heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Miller's family. Fondly reminiscing his passion for teaching and coaching. What a GREAT man. God Bless~

Beth (VandenBoomen) Grunwald

September 2, 2014

My condolences to the family of Coach Miller,not only a great coach but more importantly a great man.
1958 WHS graduate
Darrell Krause

Darrell Krause

September 1, 2014

Coach was such a good friend to my dad at Rennes. Many thanks. He always greeted me with enthusiasm, warmth and a story or joke or two! Very, very grateful to have known him. Condolences to his family.

Ellen Larson

August 31, 2014

To the "Family" of Mike "Earl" Miller: My prayers and sympathy to all of you. I had the opportunity to work with your father/grandfather in the Green Bay School System. My condolences.

Bob Stocki

August 30, 2014

May you rest in peace Uncle Mickey. I know there is dancing and singing in heaven with Aunt Ina Claire. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kristine Nolan

August 30, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Vicki Smith

August 29, 2014

Our sympathy to you Katie and your family.

Newy and Kathy Edwardson

August 29, 2014

Mr. Miller, you were one of the two best teachers I ever had. So many have already said everything I also feel, it would be redundant for me to repeat it. My condolances to your family. Debbie Seiler Bullock West class of 1980

Debbie Bullock

August 29, 2014

Katie, to you and your family I send my thoughts and prayers. Katie I didn't know your dad but I know you so he had to be WONDERFUL just like you. God Bless Diana

Diana Hutchison

August 29, 2014

Coach Earl 'Mike' Miller was so influential to so many people, it makes his legacy one that will live on. He was a great example of how to be a Man! As he lived his life whether it was, through coaching, teaching, being a community leader, lecturing at church, etc., he mentored others to do the same. Thank you Coach Miller!

Matt Greely

August 29, 2014

Coach Miller knew I was at best an average football player but allways treated me like I was one of the best. His supportive and kind nature had a positive influence on me for the rest of my life. I last saw Coach Miller st our 50th class reunion. He was a guest speaker and confined to a wheel chair. When I got the chance to greet him he stuck out that big firm hand and said "hello Jim Campbell, it's nice to see you again". (it's been 50 years!!)
Coach Miller was a great guy! Class of 1960, RIP

August 29, 2014

Mr. Miller was my High School World History Teacher at Casco, He was one of my two best Teachers I ever had.
Later I ran a Tavern in Green bay and city council member Mr. Miller came to my rescue when I was being mistreated by a individual at a City Council meeting.
The world was a better place because of Mr. Miller

Roland (Rollie) Granius

August 29, 2014

Mr Miller was my high school history teacher and not only taught history but mutual respect. Condolences to the family on the loss of this wonderful man.

Kathie VanDonsel

August 29, 2014

The world has lost a truly great man. Thank you for all you taught me coach, I will never forget you!

Jim Rogers

August 29, 2014

I had the great pleasure of having Coach Miller for both a teacher and being on the sidelines with him and my father coaching the Wildcats for many years. I grew up "on the sidelines" with Coach Mike Miller and my Dad, Coach Ron Miller. Thank you for allowing me to be there for so many of your great coaching moments and Wildcat victories. You were a great coach, father, and mentor to us all. My deepest condolences to Susie and the rest of the family. You will be missed dearly. Rest in peace and Go Wildcats.

Kurt Miller

August 29, 2014

God's Blessings to Mike and his wonderful family.

Jan Horn

August 28, 2014

Mr. Miller was one of the Best teachers I ever had. He showed me his love of history which I also have. He was a soft spoken man with so many kind words for all. My deep sympathies & prayers to the family.

Diana (Rasmussen) Ambrosius

August 28, 2014

Mr. Miller said to us all you will learn more than history in my class and surely we did. I had the occasion of visiting with Mike at the Mausoleum where he would be sitting in a chair next to his beloved wife,holding a notebook filled with mementos of his life, and recalling how much he loved her. How he told of tucking her in at night and she would tell him pointing to her lips not to forget kissing her goodnight. I was always happy to be there when he was visiting . Happily they are once again together. What a wonderful man. This world is much better off having had Mike in it. God sent us a real teacher,coach and humanitarian. Godspeed.

August 28, 2014

My sympathy to the Miller family. So sorry for your loss.

Tim Anderson

August 28, 2014

I am sad to hear my former West High Football Coach passed on. I still remember him leading the 1972 Wildcats against No. 1 Rated FonduLac. We beat them 21-7.

At half time he told us we had to have "intestinal fortitude" which most of the players had no clue what it meant. Later I figured out he meant "guts".

Condolensces to his family for a great man.

Mark Skaleski
1972 West High School graduate and football player.

Mark Skaleski

August 28, 2014

Coach shared a room with my dad at nursing home and I got to know him in the last year. He was always friendly and cheerful and he will be missed.

Rose Schaefer

August 28, 2014

Coach Miller taught me about the importance of intestinal fortitude and spizzerinctum. Never at a loss for the right word to make a point. He was a great man and he will always be fondly remembered.

Matt Loch

August 28, 2014

Mike was a great role model for me as I attempted to follow him at West. A great man and his children were lucky to have him as a father. I only wish I was in town to personally pay tribute, but I am out of state. Mike you were the best. Gary De Bauche

Gary and Donna De Bauche

August 28, 2014

Mr Miller was one of my favorite high school teachers at West. He was a good man & great teacher. May his family cherish the memories of him & hold them close during this difficult time. Dawn (Bowers) Sweeney

Dawn Sweeney

August 28, 2014

I LOVE YOU, DAD.

Katie

August 27, 2014

So sorry. God bless the family who is going through his passing. I knew him at West High, graduated in 1961. Fine teacher and human being.

Michelle Warne

August 27, 2014

The finest man I've ever met.

Mark Delvaux

August 27, 2014

A great WILDCAT in the sky. RIP COACH!

Bruce Breecher

August 27, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family of my favorite high school teacher. Your dad gave me a lifelong love of history, not to mention all the A's he gave me. As the daughter of another West Hi teacher (Jim Engels) I know how much the appreciation of old students is to your family. I also remember my Dad singing his praises. He was the best!!!

August 27, 2014

Mr. Miller was a great man, dedicated teacher. I did not appreciate his passion for the Constitution until many years after I graduated West. Truly a great man. My best ti his family, you were blessed.

Randy Lynn

August 27, 2014

Anyone who knew Mike Miller realizes he was one of the rare ones who really got passionate about anything that mattered in life: God, family, vocation, others. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with this absolutely incredible teacher, coach and man, one I will never forget.
Chuck Pankratz

August 27, 2014

Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. You were blessed to have such an outstanding father and I was truly blessed to have known him.

Tom DuChateau

August 27, 2014

Susie, my sympathy to you and your family. Such great memories from the classroom with your dad to cheering the Wildcats with your dad leading them to many victories.
Wish I could come Friday to see you but will be out of town.
Edith (Pensis) Reschke
class of 1984

Edith Reschke

August 27, 2014

I knew Mike as a neighbor and a friend.

Chuck Greely

Chuck Greely

August 27, 2014

I met Mr. Miller at the now gone old Chappell elementary school, which was on the opposite side of the street as the current school. During the winter there was a small ice rink behind the building. Mr. Miller was the person who opened the door to the warming room, located in the basement. Later he was in the administration of West, when I was a student there. We could have been on a first name basis, but to me he was always Mr. Miller. Very sad to learn of his passing, but he seemed to have had a good and long life. One richly deserved. My thoughts go out to his family.
Dick Callender

Dick Callender

August 27, 2014

Who could forget Mr. Miller and his devotion to West high students and football. He was a great man. My father went to the games long after we all graduated and always talked to him. He always enjoyed his conversations with Mr. Miller. May God bless you all and surround you with his grace and peace during this time. May our heavenly Father keep you in the palm of his hands. RIP Coach.

susan thayer detrie

August 27, 2014

Mr. Miller leaves an amazing legacy for his students and his community. One year in his world history class took me on an amazing trip through time and the globe. RIP

Jill Thiede

August 26, 2014

Mr. Miller is the teacher I always remember when I think back to my high school years. He had a passion for his students and his teaching, a teacher that I always respected because he wanted to be there teaching and mentoring young people, not because he was putting in his time. What a great man! God speed Coach.

Kent Wessley
Poplar Grove, IL
Class of 1980

August 26, 2014

The world is less purple and white today

August 26, 2014

Mr. Miller was a great teacher, coach & friend. There are so many memories of our years with him at Casco High School. Thanks for those memories. May God bless him & his family.
Donna & the late Russ Jandrin

Donna Jandrin

August 26, 2014

RIP Coach Miller.

Sean Doyle

August 26, 2014

Mr. Miller was a fine coach, a very good scout leader and an even better man. He set a fine example for all the young people he came in contact with.

Joe Baye---Class of 64

August 26, 2014

As a student and athlete for Coach Miller I fondly remember the lessons he taught me, both on and off the field.

Dan Krueger

August 26, 2014

As a former student, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Mr. Miller was a wonderful teacher and a great role model for all his students.

Tracy Schmidt VanErem

August 26, 2014

Mike was a very important person in my son Chris life while he was a student at West. Our families condolences....

Mike Salemi

August 26, 2014

Mr. Miller was a friend to our family, both from West High School and the neighborhood. Fond memories prevail.

Marlene, Bucky, PJ and Jennifer Borowitz

August 26, 2014

As life goes on, rememberances of childhood are replaced by things happening right now. What never faded for me however, is the memory of Mr. Miller--revered West High School teacher, coach and mentor. He was a powerful person with the ability to change lives. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on! Thanks Mr. May God bless his family and all who loved him as they learn to live without him here with them.

August 26, 2014

Where do you start honoring a man who was such a great influence on my life. I was very fortunate to have grown up so close to Coach Miller's house. I would see coach in church, he was my Boy Scout leader, he was my football coach, teacher, and later my Alderman when I went on to work for the Green Bay Police Department. He would regularly stop to visit with me at the Police Dept or I would stop in the squad car at his home to visit. Coach always gave me great advice.
RIP Coach Miller. You are already missed by many! Thanks for guiding so many lives.

Joe Deuster

August 26, 2014

Mr. Miller was my Sophomore history teacher at West. I'll always remember the overhead projector! We shared the love of football and the Packers. He was a great teacher, and a very nice gentleman. To remember someone 40 years after is a testament on the influence one has on another person.
Jody Class of '76

August 26, 2014

One of the men most influencal in my life. Great coach, better person.
West High Class of '57

Gene McCartney

August 26, 2014

Such fond memories have been left by this gentle giant of a man: teacher, coach, mentor, friend, story-teller, and West High Group dinner companion--from West High School and into our retirement years. His love of life, family, friends, and students was fully matched back by all of us who knew him. Our hearts will always hold him dearly as a person of faith, faithfulness, loyalty, and integrity, with a generous amount of singing, fun and kidding thrown in for many happy times. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Miller!

Mimi McClure

August 26, 2014

Hey coach, keep that dobber up. And remember I want you so low you can crawl under a snakes belly with a top hat on.

Rest In Peace

Al Smith

August 26, 2014

Mr Miller was one of my favorite teachers at West, back in the 1970's. I learned to take good notes from him. He passed on his love of History to me as well. My deep sympathies to all of your family in this loss. He was a great teacher and always had a kind word for us all.

Cheri Kocha Steinbrinck

August 26, 2014

Safe travels MrMiller. See you on the other side...

Marty Hecker

August 25, 2014

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