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BORN
1942
DIED
2024
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Wayne Miller Obituary
Born: February 2, 1942
Died: March 7, 2024
Wayne Henry Miller, age 82, of St. Charles, Illinois passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
He was born February 2, 1942, in Roseland, Illinois, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (nee Billo) Miller. He was united in marriage to Cynthia (Hybiak) Miller and spent over 50 wonderful years with her by his side.
Wayne graduated from University of Michigan in 1965 with a double major, B.S ED. In 1964, he was selected to be Wrestling Captain and attained All-American status at Division I NCAA championships held at Cornell University. He pursued his master's degree at NIU (M.S ED) and was the assistant wrestling coach at NIU from 1964-1965. Wayne Spent 15 years at DeKalb HS teaching P.E, health, and special education. He coached football and wrestling where his team maintained a .900%-win percentage and went undefeated for six seasons. The DeKalb program did exceedingly well, where they won fifteen consecutive IHSA Regionals, twelve conference championships, and three Sectional Championships under his direction. He also helped develop the Dual Team State Wrestling Tournament as well as organized the first All-state Wrestling banquet. Wayne was a mat official for several high school and collegiate wrestling matches. He officiated at the NCAA Regional Championships held at NIU and was also involved with the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. IWCOA inducted Wayne into the Hall of Fame in 1981, after serving nearly 10 years as president. He entered DeKalb Hall of Fame in 2007, and then into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Illinois Chapter) in 2010. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from IWCOA in 2008. After leaving DeKalb High School, he pursed Educational Administration duties at St. Edward High School in Elgin. Then, he accepted an administrated position with Naperville District 203, Naperville North High School where he was a Dean of students and Director of Naperville District 203 Summer School Program for 15 years.
Wayne was very accomplished in his career. After graduating high school, he continued to further his education and become a pillar of trust in his community. He was loved and respected by many. Wayne never wanted to be defined by wins, but rather by integrity and character building of his students and student athletes.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (nee Hybiak) Miller.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Miller and Elizabeth (nee Billo).
In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be directed to The American Lung Association. For additional information contact Moss Family Funeral Home 630-879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Miller
Sponsored by Moss Family Funeral Home - Batavia.
Ray Kennedy
June 19, 2024
Just learned of my childhood idols passing when I texted him to meet for coffee. Naturally I was devastated. He was the best of the best, bar none.
Cindy you have our deepest condolences on your tremendous loss.
With love,
Ray & Sharon Kennedy
Mollie Suddeth
March 23, 2024
I believe I worked for Wayne when he ventured into the restaurant business in '85. He was a great guy and he helped me out when the restaurant I had worked at closed their doors. I have fond memories of him and I appreciated him.
Petrea Burchard Sandel
March 23, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Miller's passing. My condolences to Cindy and all his dear friends.
Richard Linnenburger
March 21, 2024
So sorry to hear the news. Wayne was a super friend and coach. A contribution to Lung Assn was made in his memory.
Ross Truemper
March 20, 2024
We had great times and funny times!! The golf challenges, Illinois v Michigan, the Michigan road trip , Wayne stuffed in the Huskie mascot in the Activities Office scaring the crap out of me and so much more. The best was you mentioning all those new deans and me when I came to North! Wayne did that with great love for each of us and the school. The times we shared at your home on the river, so special. The trip to Florida so graciously given. So many more! Those brought us so close and together in so many ways. Now, imagine how Wayne helped so many others, especially his athletes and the students who were troubled an in trouble, truly one of the best of the best. AND always so humble.
P mccauley
March 19, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne´s death. He was always fun to be around finding joy in the smallest of things. He genuinely cared about all people.
P. Mccauley
March 19, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jack Teboda
March 19, 2024
Cindy, I have a special place in my heart for Wayne. Wayne was kind enough, when asked by Coach Flavin, to come up to the wrestling room and work out with me my senior year. Every time he walked into the wrestling room, I knew I was going to get a lesson in humility. He expected the best from me and we worked hard. There are special people in our lives who help us achieve our personal goals. And Wayne was special to me. Coach will be missed!!
Kathy Schneider Iliff
March 18, 2024
I´m so sorry to hear about Wayne´s death. I lost my husband, Glenn, 7 years ago. Grieving is a difficult and personal process. Give yourself time and remember all of the good memories.
Kathy Schneider ILIFF
Former Wayne School teacher
Ed and Karen Schneider
March 18, 2024
It has been our good fortune to call Wayne a great friend. What an amazing man he was! He was always so thoughtful and kind in caring for others. It was common for Wayne to surprise us, like when a bottle of wine found its way to our anniversary dinner table with a thoughtful note from Wayne and Cindy. He frequently checked to see how our family was doing. I always enjoyed playing golf with him. As "The Commissioner" of our weekly golf group, he stayed in true Wolverine form, being extremely organized and making sure we were all in sync with the day´s events (especially remembering that Lombardy Time is the only time that matters). He will be sorely missed. Cindy, we are praying for peace and comfort.
With sympathy and love,
Ed and Karen Schneider
Joan Hall
March 15, 2024
I am sorry for your loss. I was a secretary at Naperville North when Wayne worked there. Every Valentines day Wayne would give all the secretaries one of those tiny little valentine's that the kids would pass out and sign them Love Wayne. He was so funny and a great mentor. May he rest in Peace.
Gayle Lentz
March 14, 2024
I knew Wayne as my customer at Ace Hardware. He was such a nice, kind gentleman. I Always enjoyed his visits ! We talked a lot about football & his Beloved Wolverine´s! When he brought Sammie it was great fun!l Heartfelt sympathy Cindy! May Great memories & the love of family & friends bring you comfort! Sincerely, Gayle Lentz.
Trent Taylor
March 14, 2024
My most sincere condolences are extended to Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne Miller positively influenced so many lives, including mine. Those of us who were fortunate enough to call him Coach will always love him. What a meaningful and powerful life he lived. I will miss him dearly.
Margot Burchard
March 13, 2024
Mrs. Miller, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Miller.
Mr. Miller was well loved by all at DeKalb High School and will be remembered. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Margot Burchard Class of '74.
Ed Rogers
March 13, 2024
Wayne earned my respect and admiration the first time i met him, then he taught me to wrestle, and many other things while in high school, most of all the type of man i'd like to be, and how to carry myself. Coach carried himself with such pinache. I was also fortunate enough to get back in touch with coach the last several years, go blue. Cindy i'm so sorry for your loss, and how much time of coach's time we all took, he was loved by everyone who knew him
Cindy Lofthouse
March 13, 2024
Cindy, I am sorry for your loss. Wayne was such a dedicated and fun educator. I'm sure that you have so many wonderful memories that will help ease your burden. Peace to you!
Kirk Taylor
March 13, 2024
My condolences and wishes for peace for Cindy and the rest of the larger community that coach touched. We all benefitted from our time together. A favorite story I enjoy telling is how our family came to become part of the DeKalb wrestling tradition... it starts with this guy hit a golf ball through our picture window across from Shipman Park... and ended with a recruiting pitch to my parents that night. True story.
Audrey Cast
March 12, 2024
Cindy I´m so sorry for your loss! Wayne was always the perfect cousin! I enjoyed talking to him about the good old days and laughing about how we were lucky to have such a large family! I will miss my friend!
Wendy Marshall
March 12, 2024
I will miss my dear friend and brother-in law. Whenever I needed advice and counsel, he was always there for me. He was an honest genuine man who loved people and life. He was playful, quick witted and a great prankster. I will miss him dearly. Thank u Cindy for choosing a great life partner who made a big difference in my life.
John Marshall M.D.
March 12, 2024
Wayne is my brother in law and will always be missed but remembered. What a great person to be around. He was fun, smart and playful. I still remember when he put me in the " grapevine " hold and my entire spine "popped ". Love you Wayno
Eunice Weinstock Scott
March 12, 2024
I have known Wayne for over seventy years through grade school and high school at TTHS. He was a great guy who always kept in touch after my many emails about class reunions. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time!
Robert
March 11, 2024
Cynthia,
Sorry for your loss.
RDavis
Patti McCauley Wietting
March 11, 2024
Mrs. Miller, I am heartbroken to hear about Mr. Miller. He was chosen family, whom I loved greatly. You both have such a special place in my heart. I know he and Dad are together. Please close your eyes and feel my hugs around you.
James M Halvorson
March 10, 2024
This is so hard to write because my heart is broken with the loss of such a great friend.Wayne was my introduction to what is a good coach, person, and friend. He was a man of his word, always humble, always loyal, always a joy to be around, His sense of humor made him extra special. Pranks were common during our coaching days. Who else would take my school pants and run them up the flagpole at DHS. Our punting contests were full of laughs and wagers for "Breakfast at Dots". Coaching 9th grade football with Wayne was one of my greatest memories of DeKalb. Our ten years in DeKalb were so memorable because of people like Wayne & Cindy. Wayne would often pick me up and drive me to school. (A stop at a "Quick-Trip" for coffee was usually part of the trip) Watching Wayne´s wrestling teams was such a thrill for me. I had never seen such powerhouse teams and they were always so classy whether they won or lost; something they learned from their coach. The past 25-30 years Wayne and I would email & text each other. Topics mainly football, wrestling, politics., and of course a joke or two.
He was always in my prayers.Tears are no help and I miss him dearly. I loved him like a brother.
My heart goes out to you, Cindy!
Go Blue
Jim Halvorson
Lori Pierce
March 10, 2024
Cindy I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for comfort and strength for you during this difficult time.
Chess Campbell
March 10, 2024
Wayne was a good friend, dating all the way back to Washington Grade School. Beyond his athletic achievements he maintained a very positive and caring, personal regard for the qualities of life and friendships. He will be missed.
Jeff Powell
March 9, 2024
I was so sorry to read about Wayne's passing, Cindy. I know how much he meant to you and the two of you were a wonderful couple. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kurt Koehling
March 9, 2024
Cindy I am deeply sorry for you're loss. Wayne and yourself were extremely instrumental/influential in helping me become the man I am today. Knowing that God has a plan for us all gives me comfort that Wayne is sitting at God's table.
May God comfort you as we celebrate a great man.
Philip Chapman
March 9, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Had great respect for Wayne as a coach, teacher and friend.
Chris Wolstenholm
March 9, 2024
Sending our deepest sympathies to you, Cindy, I have so many fond memories of working with Wayne at Naperville North. Always a Huskie.
Karen Knudsen
March 9, 2024
Cindy,
I am very sorry for your loss. A memory that always makes me smile is when a student accused me of putting him in a head lock. I was a bit confused what one was and Wayne asked me to show him the move. After he got done laughing hysterically, he told me to never change. He will be sorely missed.
Danis Miller-Bucholz
March 9, 2024
My deepest sympathy to your family. I was a young teacher just beginning my career at NNHS when Wayne arrived and I have such fond memories of working with him. He was always so supportive, friendly and funny. He was one of my favorite people to work with & his legacy at North will not be forgotten.
Terry Eakle McAnaney
March 9, 2024
Cindy I just received this from my cousin in DeKalb. I'm so sorry. I'll let my mom know.
Tim Graham
March 9, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Cindy. For me, he was like a second dad, and I´m not afraid to say I loved him. I think the most moving moment for me was finding him in a hallway at Illinois State after Dan Cliffe won his first state championship. Wayne was crouched in the hallway by himself weeping with joy. I knew then how much it meant to him.
Kurt Clifton
March 9, 2024
Cindy, my prayers are with you. I will never forget everything Wayne taught me in wrestling, as well as preparing us for the future. He helped me get into the IHSA, as well as NCAA officiating for over 30 years. He will be remembered and missed.
Joe LoCascio
March 8, 2024
We have lost a one of a kind, true champion when we lost Wayne. He lived his life devoted to teaching, coaching and guiding young people, instilling in them the values of humility, sacrifice, honor and sportsmanship. The world is a better place for his influence. I am blessed to have enjoyed his friendship for my entire adult life, Our heartfelt condolences to Cindy.
Joe LoCascio, DeKalb, IL
Kandi Baars Talley
March 8, 2024
Mrs. Miller, I am so very sorry to hear about Coach. He is an amazing man and was an awesome Coach!! He will definitely be missed A very sad day for DHS athletics.
Prayers & hugs to you.
Kandi (Baars) Talley
Linda
March 8, 2024
Sincere sympathy to Cindy on your loss of your husband, Wayne. So many great memories of a DeKalb legend & a great wrestling coach
Herb & Linda Buhr
paul "adolph" miller
March 8, 2024
to the miller family:coach miller was a fine man,teacher and coach.i liked and respected him during my years at dekalb hi school and still do.my deepest sympathies to his family and mrs. cindy miller. sincerely, paul "adolph" miller DHS "72"
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