Elmer Miller
Elmer A. “Bud” Miller, 99, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at Abbotsford Health Care Center.
Bud was born just east of Unity on October 22, 1922. While still an infant, Bud’s family “moved across the highway (13)” to the Riplinger area, where Bud grew up on the family farm. A neighboring farm and best friends of the Millers, the Hebert’s, had a son, Leland, who was Bud’s best friend from infancy to adulthood. In his 20’s, Bud visited his older sister, Edna, and her family in Chicago, where Edna introduced Bud to his future wife, Margie Leitze. Bud and Margie were married in December of 1944, and they had four children: Cheryl, Patricia, Ralph and Russell.
Bud found a job as an apprentice journeyman and became a very talented lithographer for Greenlee Printing Company and loyal Union man...a Teamster. Bud and Margie bought their house and home on Lakewood Avenue on Chicago’s Near North Side, where they resided for approximately 55 years. Bud made another life-long friend in his neighborhood, Charlie Russell, who resided down at the end of the block. As his friends the Millers aged, Charlie helped out in various ways, removing snow in the winter, providing transportation, socialization (especially playing the “Marbles Board Game”) etc. After Bud sold his house, and his wife passed away, Bud spent three years in a local assisted living facility in his neighborhood. Then, he decided he wanted to move back to Wisconsin, where he grew up, and his oldest daughter now lived. Once again, he called upon his old friend, Charlie, who provided Bud with transportation to his old stomping grounds, in July 2011.
Bud eventually moved into an assisted living facility in Colby. One of the first people he met there was a lady who went to the same one-room school he did, and was related to his best friend, Leland! Bud was honored to have Leland’s great-granddaughter there to help care for him while at the Assisted Living. Many residents and caregivers were friends and relatives of the people Bud knew growing up. Bud’s daughter was there nearly every night, where they played marathon Rummy card games while listening to polka music and old-time Grand Ole Opry songs. Many residents would gather around, just to listen to the music and converse. Bud loved his puzzle books and the view of Hwy. 13 from his window. He particularly enjoyed the Abbyland Summer Sausage, Colby Cheese and Abbotsford County Market deli cookies his daughter provided for him to accompany every facility lunch and supper.
At the age of 99, Bud still used his walker to move about his room, and frequently beat his daughter at their nightly card games! He especially loved the visits from his granddaughters and their families, and his old buddy, Charlie. During Bud’s final days, his daughter would talk to him about his past, read cards from family, and show him pictures of his two year old great-great-granddaughter, Blakley! Those pictures always brought a smile to his face, and he would whisper, “She’s so cute.” Bud died peacefully, thanks to Heartland Hospice and their wonderful staff. He was adamant about not wanting a funeral, memorial, or even a party in his honor at the tavern in Riplinger. He will be laid to rest at the Beaver Cemetery in the Riplinger area, where he can visit his parents, grandpa, Leland and many other friends and neighbors.
Survivors include his brother, Paul Miller, Oregon, his children: Cheryl Miller, Athens, Patricia Miller, Ralph Miller and Russell Miller, all of Illinois; two grandchildren: Diane Link and Christine Ronayne; four great-grandchildren: Molly Hanrahan, Madelin Link, Ryan (Jackie) O’ Malley and Colin (Casey) O’ Malley, and one great-great-granddaughter, Blakley Hanrahan. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Edna Erickson.
At Bud’s request, no formal services will be held. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 117754
