Bruce Miller
Bruce Donald Miller, Stevens Point, passed away July 23, 2024, while surrounded by his family at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, at the age of 75.
Bruce was born April 27, 1949, in Marshfield, son of the late Donald and Anita (Hohl) Miller. He grew up in the Greenwood area where he spent his youth loving baseball, cars, photography, playing drums, and his dog, Mickey. Bruce graduated from Greenwood High School with the Class of 1967.
Shortly after high school, in 1968, after performing with his self-organized Tijuana Brass Band at the Neillsville County Fair, Bruce met Wendy Gardner. The two hit it off and were married two years later. They lovingly welcomed two beautiful children to their family, Chad and Heidi. Bruce worked hard to provide a comfortable and happy life for them. Bruce graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in business and marketing. His career included working for various companies such as Mobil Oil, NAPA Auto Parts, and locally owned hotel and conference centers. Bruce was instrumental in the opening of a NAPA Auto Parts store, as well as the planning and development of the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center, both in Rothschild.
In his parenting years, Bruce enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and camping, thus starting traditions with both friends and family that will continue on with his children and grandchildren. In his post-parenting years, he gave himself more time to enjoy antique cars and photography. He was a regular attendee of the Iola Car Show and proud to showcase his 1941 Chevy business coupe in the Blue Ribbon Concours for as many years as he was able. He was an active member of the Focal Point Camera Club, where he attended meetings, went on field trips and entered contests. In his later years, he started making wine in his basement, sampling hard to find bourbons, and perfecting his own version of a southern comfort old fashioned.
Bruce was a devoted husband, a proud dad, and a loving grandpa. He spent time with his family whenever he was given the opportunity. He loved boat rides up the river with his wife. He enjoyed various road trips with his son, including those special trips to the Indianapolis 500. He shared a love of photography with his daughter, and he loved doting on his grandkids.
Bruce was a spirited soul whose social personality found joy in sharing his life with others. Bruce would jump at the chance to tell you a story and listen to one of yours. In the past several years, he enjoyed weekly breakfasts with friends, and campfires and cocktails with neighbors in the driveway. His positive outlook on life and joyful demeanor will be greatly missed by so many.
Bruce is lovingly survived by his wife, Wendy; his children, Chad (Erin) Miller of Appleton, and Heidi (Cody) Boyce of Boise, Idaho; and four grandchildren, Olivia and Grace Miller, and Caleb and Maddie Boyce. He is further survived by his sister, Sandra (Frank) Hoagland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anita; his step-father, Harv Heck; his nephew, Trent; and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the advanced heart failure team at Froedtert Hospital, the hemophilia team at the Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders, and all the other doctors and nurses who cared for Bruce.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s honor to Kathy’s House, a Ronald McDonald-like house for adults receiving medical care out of their home area. Memorials can be mailed to: 9100 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
A funeral service will be held for Bruce at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family will be honoring Bruce by wearing his favorite camp attire: a tie-dyed t-shirt and shorts. It was a tradition for the grandkids to make new shirts every year. Please feel free to come casual in your favorite camp clothes.
PAID OBITUARY 156119
