Dean Miller

Dean Miller, age 86, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Elburn, passed away Friday, April 29, 2016 following a long illness.

He was born May 2, 1929, in Pontiac, IL, the son of Everett and Gertrude (Wesley) Miller.

Dean, although born in Pontiac, grew up on the family farm in Virgil.

Dean met his future wife at a neighboring family farm. Mary Janet Oranger stole his heart, but he gave his in return when they were united in marriage on February 20, 1947.

They began their new life together in a tiny house, nestled in between numerous cherry trees, on the family farm. When their daughter Fran was born in 1947, she spent the first months sleeping in a dresser drawer. Their living arrangement changed each time Dean worked at a different farm and Mary made each house a home those next few years. The family moved to Elburn in 1960. Later, Apple Canyon Lake, IL, became their home for a short time before Florida called to their “snowbird” hearts. They eventually bought a winter home in Bradenton, where they made thousands of memories. Mary’s passing came unexpectedly in 2010, and eventually brought Dean home to Illinois.

Dean hauled bulk milk with his own truck for Modern Dairy in Elgin for seven years. Later, he and Bill Gee teamed up and began working construction together. In 1996, a stroke forced him to lay down his tools, something he was loath to do, and began a path of struggles. Dean overcame them all and persevered, many times beyond the hopes of his doctors. Several people would comment that he must rival a cat’s blessing of nine lives. Dean fought for each step in order to keep active and held onto his independence with a fierce strength that belied his age (and to the chagrin of some of his family and caretakers.)

Dean was a lifetime member with the Blackberry Masonic Lodge #359, the Tebala Shriners of Rockford and past president of the Elburn Lion’s Club. He also was a member of the Elburn Community Congregational Church for many years.

Dean’s flirtatious and outgoing nature gave him a good natured “reputation”. He also had the knack of knowing exactly which buttons to “innocently” push, sometimes more than once. Dean loved to golf and toss lines at his favorite fishing hole, but also was adept at card games, especially Pitch, and building anything with his hands kept him busy. He had a strict diet, but one that included drinking (at least) one beer a day. He had a passion for motorcycles and he and Mary logged thousands of cross-country miles on his beloved Goldwing. When it came to four wheels, nothing compared to his blue 1963 Stingray Corvette and his 1957 Chevy. His greatest gift was the joy he brought through his laughter and the warmth of love and friendship which he offered freely.

He is survived by his daughter Frances (Tom) Wilson; three grandchildren: Kelly (Tony) Demakis and their children Jack and Grace; Angie (Dan) Adams and their children, Isabella and William; and Michael (Jennifer) Wilson and their children Peyton and Logan; several nieces and nephews and family of friends across the country.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Gertrude Miller; his wife, Mary; three siblings, Claire, Charles, and Marilyn and one daughter Carol Miller, in infancy.

Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 10-11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Walter Thyng, pastor of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, will officiate, with interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the “Dean Miller Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 10-11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Walter Thyng, pastor of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, will officiate.

Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 10-11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Walter Thyng, pastor of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, will officiate.

Interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery.