William O. Miller (1960-2021)

MILLER, DRANSFIELD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/21/2021 at 08:19:57

William O. Miller, Jr., 60, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at Lancaster Health Services in Lancaster, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

William was born on September 25, 1960, in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of William O. and Everly A. (Dransfield) Miller Sr. William spent most of his childhood in Brodhead, Wisconsin. He served his country in the US Army. William was a jack of all trades but as he liked to say “a master of none.” He worked for a number of years as a master cook at the Dubuque Rescue Mission.

William donated his time and what little money he had to causes that were important to him. He was a member of Wisconsin Public Broadcasting as well as the Arbor Day Foundation. He loved to plant trees, harvest walnuts, and feed the birds. The birds flocked to his yard, due to the multiple bird feeders he maintained. His beloved dog, Christie, and parakeets brought him many hours of happiness. His greatest joy was baking for others. He provided his neighbors with cookies for every holiday, but began to plan his Christmas baking in the spring of every year, so that he could have enough for all the people that mattered so much to him. Cookies and other baked goods were not only given to his neighbors, but also to the local Senior Center. He delighted in giving these treats to so many that he considered family. He looked forward to his weekly grocery shopping trips with his neighbor, Mike, who had become like a brother to him. Summer campfires in the backyard with friends was his favorite place to spend a summer evening. William was always ready to help whenever and wherever needed. He was one of those souls who looked forward to the snow each year so he could give back to those who were there for him, by shoveling their sidewalks and driveways. He will be greatly missed by his neighbors and friends, to whom he had become so much more than a friend.

Survivors include Lindsey Derrig, who, while not a daughter by blood, became like a daughter to him, Dubuque, IA; his neighbors and friends, who became like family to him, Mike and Cheryl Schmieder, Ruth Hinzmann, Dick Griffin, Lynnette Dornak and Jon Meidinger, all of Platteville, WI; his half sisters, Penny (Rodney) Olson, Beloit, WI, Everly (Dennis) Fisher, Prentice, WI, and Nancy (William) Heidenrich, Monroe, WI; and his brothers, Daniel Miller, Madison, WI and Jack (Tracy) Miller, Rio, WI; and his half brother, Bruce Nehls, Brodhead, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a half brother, Harry Nehls; a sister-in-law, Bev Nehls; and his beloved dog, Jake.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the William O Miller Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseymcnett.com.