John E. Miller

John E. Miller, a longtime resident of both DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, was gently called home on February 5, 2026, in Waukesha, at the age of 88. Born in Waukesha on June 25, 1937, John was the beloved son of Edward and Josephine (Stair) Miller. He was educated in the Waukesha School System and proudly graduated from Waukesha High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, John answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy in October of 1955. He proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Frontier in Long Beach, California, with rotations to the Western Pacific, before being honorably discharged in 1958. His service remained a source of pride throughout his life. John began his working career at Centrifugal Foundry, where he was employed until 1967. He then dedicated more than two decades of service to the City of Waukesha as a member of the Waukesha Fire Department, retiring in 1990. His commitment to service extended well beyond his profession and into every aspect of his community life. He was a proud member of the Waukesha Eagles Aerie #453, where he served as a Past President; a life member of AMVETS Post #178 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida; and a member of the DeFuniak Springs Country Club. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church in DeFuniak Springs and St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Waukesha. John will be deeply missed by his loving family. He is survived by his children: Lygia (Mark) Sie, Cindy (John) Miller, Daniel (Julie) Miller, Francis (Steve) Smith, and Paul (Lynn) Ninham; his cherished grandchildren: Joshua (Randi) Harwood, Aaron (Angie) Harwood, Ryan (Corri) Sie, Adam (Megan) Dixon, Brandon (Kristin) Dixon, and Nicole (Will) Christensen; and his treasured great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Ellaina, Shay, Noah H., Noah S., Miles, Ava, Adalyn, Revel, Eira, Emily, Brooklyn, and Kace. He is further survived by his sisters, Joan Morse and Kathleen (Jay) Fontaine; his former spouse, Shelby Hemauer; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. John was preceded in death by his former spouses, Elaine Ninham Miller and Marilyn Gibson Miller; his brother, Daniel Miller; his sister, Sandra Miller; his brother-in-law, James Morse; and his beloved granddaughter, Lauren Miller. Visitation for John will be held on Friday, February 20th, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m., at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 111 E. Main Street, Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Reverend Dr. David Simmons will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha. Memorials are appreciated to St. Matthias Episcopal Church or St. Agatha's Episcopal Church.