Roger Miller

Roger L. Miller

Roger Lawrence Miller, 90, of Brussels, took the hand of Jesus and left this world on July 1, 2013. He was born on March 17, 1923, in Kolberg to Walter and Bertha (Neinas) Miller. He graduated from Brussels High School in 1940. After High School, he worked at the Algoma Plywood and helped out on the family farm. Roger married Margaret Pierre on August 23, 1944, and she preceded him in death on October 16, 1978. On his wedding date, he received a letter from the President of the United States letting him know that he was selected to serve his country.

Roger served 23 months in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 32nd Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater at the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star. After returning from war, he worked as a clerk, rural mail carrier, and post master of the U.S. Postal Department in Brussels for 33 years. On August 20, 1983, Roger married Sharon "Shari" (Walther) Hillmer; she preceded him in death on December 15, 2009.

Roger had a very full life of service to his community. He was a member of Emanuel's Lutheran Church in Kolberg and served on the Council for 6 years. Roger was a member of the Door County Board of Supervisors for 11 years serving on various committees including the Emergency Services Department. He also served as a member of the Civil Service Commission of the Door County Police Department for many years. Roger was elected and served for 10 years as a Supervisor for the Town of Brussels. He was instrumental in organizing the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department. He was named the first fire chief and remained in that position for 21 years. Roger was honored as a fire fighter of the year for Door/Kewaunee County and received second place recognition from the state of Wisconsin for his efforts.

Roger was on the Board of Directors of Baylake Bank for 23 years, serving on many different committees. He served on the Door County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for 5 years. Roger was a member of the American Legion, Post #372, and served as Commander for 1 year. He was also a charter member of the Brussels Lions Club serving as secretary for 13 years. Roger received the highest honor in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Award in 1996. He further served as the Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor.

Roger was instrumental in organizing the Little League program in Brussels when his children were still very young and it continues to this day. He was a former Door County League Baseball player and served as president and vice president of the league for a time. Roger also enjoyed slow-pitch softball. He loved to play cards, but not just any cards. His game was cooyah and in his prime, he knew what everyone had in their hands before they did.

Roger loved his 3 kitties, Simba, Sasha, and Alphie. He loved them and worried about them and in turn they loved him. He swears that they would cover him with his sheet during the night when he was uncovered.

Survivors include ten children, Maureen (Lyle) DeBroux and Roger V. (Karen Hanchera) Miller both of Brussels; Marcia (Ray) Greene, New Berlin; Pamel (Peter) Birmingham, Colfax; Rachel (Jay) Weckler, Gillett; Jeffrey (Mary Ann) Miller, Kim (Randy) Rubens and Jill Olson, all of Sturgeon Bay; Joy Nelson, Rio Creek; and Todd (Bonnie) Miller, Forestville; two step-children, Licia Hintz, Little Suamico; Michael (Sue) Hillmer, Pahrump, NV; 30 grandchildren, Darren (Jen) DeBroux, Dean (Shari) DeBroux, Tonya (Joel Daoust) De Broux, Jerry Greene, Paul (Mandi) Greene, Peter (Mechelle) Greene, Kristin Greene, Roger Miller, Ryan (Jennifer) Miller, Amber (Bob) Hicks, Cheryl (Boyd) Anderson, Christine (Joel) Hall, Clayt (Therese Pershall) Birmingham, Mathew (Susan) Weckler, Shannon (Marc) Hicks, Haley Miller, Kory (Sara) Miller, Courtney (Nick) Mooren, Lyndsey Nelson, Brandon (Abby) Rubens, Brock Rubens, Danielle (Danny) Hanson, Megan Rubens, Luke Olson, Lacey Olson, Jordan Olson, Tory (Cherry) Miller, Nichole (Justin) Blazel, Logan Miller and Brittany Miller; 6 step-grandchildren, Zachary Zoeller, Deja Hintz, Payton Hintz, Bailey Hintz, Kyle Thiede and Bryana Geyer; 39 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Karen (Marvin) DeGrave and MaeLee (Allen) LeGreve, in-laws, Gloria Vandermause, Elaine Guilette, Bernard (Dolores) Pierre, Claudette Mirkes, Phil (Judy) Pierre, Corynn (Jerry) Van Zeeland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, a daughter, Monica Miller, 3 sisters and their husbands, Jeanette and Lloyd Hoppe, Isabelle and Raynold Ullman, and Margie and Lloyd Karnitz; in-laws, Angela and Vincent Gilson, EllaMae and Herman Vandertie, Richard Vandermause, Lloyd Guilette and Paul Mirkes.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Emanuel's Lutheran Church in Kolberg with the Rev. Larry Zessin officiating. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Friends may call on Friday from 3-8 pm at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Devotions will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Door County Humane Society or to the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Dept.