John N. Miller

1936 - 2025

Watertown, WI - John "Jack" Nicholas Miller, 89, of Watertown, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Fr. David Drefcinski officiating. Relatives and friends may gather at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to St. Bernard Catholic Church or to Rainbow Community Care. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

He was born on May 23, 1936 to Peter and Frances (Stilling) Miller in Ringwood, IL. Jack served in the United States Army from 1956-1958. On April 30, 1960 he married Irene Thurlwell at St. Mary's Catholic Church, McHenry, IL.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Irene Miller of Watertown; children: Becky (Cory) Tomczyk of Mosinee, WI; Cindy (Bryan) Tilbury of Caledonia, Ontario; Cathy (Brian) Winker of Watertown; Rob (Sarah) Miller of Watertown; daughter-in-law, Kerry Miller of Jackson, WI; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Smith of McHenry, IL; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by: son, Jim Miller; grandson, Todd Tilbury; parents, Peter & Frances Miller; 5 sisters and 5 brothers.

Jack was a life-long farmer starting in McHenry, IL. In 1976, he and Irene purchased a dairy farm with 50 milking cows on Walton Rd in Watertown. He always had a dog running alongside the tractor when working the fields.

He was a volunteer firefighter in Richwood for many years.

He loved to play sheepshead with his friends in Illinois and Wisconsin.

He was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. When the "Cubbies" won the World Series, Jack had seen one of his life-long goals fulfilled. Over the years, he received ribbing about his favorite teams and placed many bets with his grandchildren and card-playing friends. In his retirement years, he would watch his teams with his cat, Whiskers, on his lap.

Jack and Irene took many trips over the years to Germany, Switzerland, France, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, and Canada, along with various cruises.

He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up whenever they visited. He attended many events for his grandchildren over the years: basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, football, track and cross country, martial arts, gymnastics, curling, cheerleading, dance, and music.

Jack will be greatly missed by his family. We would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for their excellent care and compassion, Fr. David, Jackie (caregiver), and Heritage Homes.