John C. Miller, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community member, passed away peacefully at St. Monica’s Senior Living on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 89. His family was by his side as he departed, marking the end of a long and fulfilling life rooted in hard work, family values, and community spirit in Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin. Born on November 24, 1935, in Kenosha, John was the youngest of eleven children born to Frank and Louise (Nee: Mandernach) Miller. Growing up on the family’s produce farm instilled in John C. Miller a strong work ethic that would define his life and legacy.
Alt text: Black and white photograph of young John C. Miller working on his family’s produce farm in Kenosha, Wisconsin, highlighting his early exposure to hard work and agricultural life.
Education, Marriage, and Career of John C. Miller
John C. Miller was a proud graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, part of the “Class of 1954.” His commitment to faith and community was evident early in his life. Love entered John’s life when he married Helen M. Willmes on May 18, 1957, at St. Rose Catholic Church. Their enduring love story spanned 67 years, a testament to their deep bond and commitment. Professionally, John C. Miller dedicated over four decades of his career to S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. He worked at the company for forty-four and a half years before retiring in 1998. His long tenure at S.C. Johnson showcases his loyalty and dedication to his work.
Alt text: Wedding photo of John C. Miller and Helen Willmes at St. Rose Catholic Church, Racine, Wisconsin, commemorating their marriage and lifelong partnership.
Faith, Family, and Passions
Faith played a significant role in John C. Miller’s life. He was a longtime and active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later became a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, further solidifying his connection to the local Catholic community. Beyond his professional and spiritual life, John C. Miller had a zest for life and enjoyed various hobbies. Golfing, playing cribbage and Schafkopf, and trying his luck at the casino, especially playing craps, were among his favorite pastimes. He was also an avid Wisconsin sports fan, finding joy in cheering on his home teams, particularly when surrounded by his beloved family.
Alt text: John C. Miller pictured on a golf course, smiling and holding a golf club, illustrating his passion for golf and outdoor activities.
Family was paramount to John C. Miller. He was a devoted father and grandfather, always present at family celebrations, milestones, and activities. He enthusiastically coached his children in sports and was renowned for his “Beer Brats” and legendary 4th of July parties, creating cherished memories for generations. His commitment to family was the cornerstone of his life.
A Loving Family and Lasting Legacy
John C. Miller is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen; his children Jody (Dick) Angel, Jenny (Gary) Hovan, John/Jack (Carol) Miller, Andrew (Amy) Miller, and Amy (Tom) Schaefer; his fifteen grandchildren, Quinn (Kristina) Angel, Elizabeth (Nick) Gardon, Susan (Max) Meinerz, Catherine (Ben) Kusters, Zachary (Charlotte) Hovan, Christian Hovan, Leah (Brian) Krupo, Joseph Simons, Nathan (fiancee MacKenzie) Simons, Poppy Miller, Bluesette Miller, Alaina (Kyle) Merrick, Alexandra (Mitchell) Datka, Ava Schaefer, and Audra Schaefer; and nineteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Gladys Penczykowski and Joyce Gyurina; sister-in-law, Mary Willmes; brother-in-law, Tim (Lynn) Willmes; special family friend Barbara Walker; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
John C. Miller was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bernard (Betty) Miller, Lucille (Harry) Lichter, Norman (Phyllis) Miller, Dolores (Robert) Burke, Geraldine (William) Gursky, Frank (Dolores) Miller, Richard (Vivian) Miller, Jean (Harry) Fischer; brothers-in-law, Stan Penczykowski and John Gyurina; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles (Helen) Willmes; and in-laws, Arlene (Joe) Blommel and Kathleen Ruffalo.
Funeral Services and Memorials
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate John C. Miller’s life will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., Mt. Pleasant, WI, on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 12:00 pm Noon, officiated by Rev. Marco Valentini. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be directed to “The Schaefer Girls Medical Fund” at Horicon Bank or to “St. Catherine’s High School Frank and Louise Miller Family Legacy Fund.”
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Stephany Lichter and the staff at St. Monica’s Senior Living, as well as Michael Hintz RN and the St. Croix Hospice staff for their compassionate care of John C. Miller.
John C. Miller will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, family devotion, and community engagement will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
