Paul Edward Miller

Paul Edward Miller, age 59, of Glenbeulah, WI, unexpectedly joined his heavenly family on September 21st, 2024 while surrounded by his family here on Earth after suffering a sudden, unprecedented cardiac episode at his home.

Paul was a 21st-century renaissance man and titan of the Wisconsin automotive trade. His breadth and depth of knowledge was obvious even at a glance, and renowned by friends and family. He reveled in sharing his passions with others- be it food, cars, planes, space, history, music, and even DIY home improvement. He loved providing world-class meals to guests, always served with a cheeky grin. Many share memories of high-speed romps in high-end cars, always making it to their destination safe and sound (and fifteen minutes faster than anticipated). Beyond the bohemian lifestyle he exemplified, Paul was most well known for his love of his family- often foregoing all else to be present for those he loved. He was a frequent sight (and voice) at countless collegiate/high school/middle school/AAU girls' basketball games, as well as a mainstay at the Elkhart Lake Karting Kettle as the team owner and crew chief for his sons' race team. Above all else, he was a dedicated husband and passionate father.

Paul was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Reuben (d.) and Dolores "Daisy" (d.) Miller on September 10th, 1965, the fourth of five children. He served as the first child of effectively the second generation of Reuben and Daisy's children, with his older siblings all being at least a decade older.

Paul spent his youth camping and making fun in the countryside near Batavia on his family's farm. His father, a former well-known local stock car driver, instilled a sense of joy and wonder in the prospects of the open road. From then on, Paul found much satisfaction in driving as well as a sense of zen in the art of automobile maintenance. Paul took no shame in purchasing his very first car while it lay upside down in a snowbank in the winter of 1981. He often considered it one of the best hundred dollar purchases he ever made. Paul often strode into Parnell Elementary School adorned by immaculate hand-made garments from his award-winning seamstress mother, Daisy. He found much joy throughout his childhood in his bond with his younger brother, Stephen (d.). This "new" generation of Millers especially highlighted their time at the Oshkosh EAA's Airventure event every summer, a coveted family ritual that continues even today. After his Parnell and Riverview years, Paul attended Plymouth High School. Paul was an avid student and an even more avid fan of "extra curriculars". He was a gifted tennis player and swimmer, and an award- winning musician, earning both the Louis Armstrong and John Philip Sousa awards in his time at Plymouth.

Paul would then begin his penchant for adventure. He would briefly attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining the United States Army Reserve as an artillery officer. In his time in the military, he received extensive training with the Sheboygan unit on the 155mm Howitzer artillery platform. He had many fond memories and lessons learned from his time in the Army.

Paul would have a chance encounter in the summer of 1984 that would change his life forever. While at the Greenbush Firemen's Picnic, Paul was introduced to a charming, beautiful, blonde. An Elkhart Lake girl, Tammy Lee. He and Tammy were immediately infatuated with each other, and life moving forward was built for two. Paul and Tammy knew, even then, they had just met their soulmate. Their love was one of passion and compassion, Paul's steely blue eyes only being matched by Tammy's infectious smile. A true Sheboygan County fairytale.

After separating from the military, Paul would briefly move to California. He explored new hobbies (like surfing) and made the most of his time in the sun. Inevitably, though, he knew he had to come back to his real home-Tammy. Paul then returned to Wisconsin. Paul and Tammy were wed in a bustling ceremony in 1989 in Batavia. Like many, many other times shared with the couple, guests recount the wedding as being a celebration for the ages. He would then cut his teeth in business, being an early acolyte of RBA in Manitowoc. Subsequently, Paul would obtain his private pilot's license- expanding his ability to adventure even further. In November 1993, the couple would welcome their first child- a son named Alexander Edwin. The couple would add to their growing Elkhart Lake family shortly thereafter in March 1997 by welcoming their second son- Nicholas Raymond. Paul enjoyed spontaneous adventure and laughter with his boys; often flying the three of them to various pockets of Wisconsin for sightseeing and fun. In the early years of fatherhood, Paul started sharing his love of pranks and humor with his young family, often shooting water guns or waking his sons up on the back patio under the guise of them sleepwalking. Often it would be easy for outsiders to assume there were three sons- not just two. After moving to Plymouth, the family would prepare to welcome their third child- a girl born in March 2005, Katherine Lee. As the family grew, they looked to establish a permanent home. They found this sense of permanence in the small community of Glenbeulah, just outside of Elkhart Lake. At that time, he worked for the Van Horn Auto group, transitioning finally to the Russ Darrow Auto Group for his final years. Paul spent countless hours reconditioning their century-old farmhouse. Though he was proud of the work he had done on his family's home, nothing brought more pride to him than his children.

His peers and his childrens' peers could see very clearly that his admiration and pride for his kids knew no bounds. They would often see Paul carrying in Katherine's various school and sports bags, just to lighten the load for her. He was a stalwart supporter of the Resorters athletic program- attending countless basketball, baseball, football, wrestling, softball, and track events, as well as go-carting and club basketball events outside of the school. His eyes would light up whenever discussing his kids' most recent accomplishments or funny mishaps. He was a caring and courageous father, but never failed to remind his children of the joy and wonder of life. He taught many lessons to his kids- from changing oil to proper first date etiquette. He had an immeasurable presence as a father and husband and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.



Paul rejoins his parents, Reuben and Daisy, as well as his siblings Stephen and Denise.

He is survived by two brothers, Raymond and Brian, his wife of 35 years, Tammy, his three children, Alexander, Nicholas, and Katherine, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

As befits his untraditional nature, there will be an untraditional celebration of life on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 at the Kohler Center for Marsh Education outside of Elkhart Lake from 1-6 pm.

Paul lives on through his generous final gift of organ donation, in hopes of creating life for those who need it most. His family would like to thank the Glenbeulah Fire Department/First Responders, Orange Cross Ambulance, the team of doctors and nurses at Theda Clark Hospital, and the Donate Life team.

Though Paul was not outwardly fixated on prayer or verse, one small prayer, "The Eternal Rest Prayer", was found in the top drawer of his desk at work. It reads:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.