Jeffrey Miller
Jeffrey Micheal Miller
January 20th, 1971 – December 9th, 2025
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Jeffrey Micheal Miller for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. While I am of no relation to this Miller family, I have had the honor of serving this family with the memorial services for Jeff’s mom, Sandra, in 2022 and Jeff’s dad, Donald, in 2024. It seems like I just sat with this family while Jeff told me all about how much he loved his parents and how much they loved each other. It was evident for even a stranger to see that Jeff had an enormous heart and was such a good person. I imagined not seeing this family again for a very long time. Sadly, here we are again. And my heart goes out to his friends and family as we honor not the longevity of a life lived but the infinite joy that Jeff brought to your lives with all the precious time that he did have. It was an honor to have met Jeff and to be entrusted to continue to serve his family.
The celebration of Jeff’s life included very meaningful songs, a special candle ceremony, cherished sentiments shared by loved ones, and being laid to rest next to his parents at West Lawn Memorial Park. He will be dearly missed by many.
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Jeff was blessed with many loved ones and Jeff was a blessing to those he loved. He shared his light- his joy and love- with all his heart. We are going to light these candles to symbolize Jeff’s eternal light shining brightly through all of you.
1st– The first candle will be lit in honor of the family that Jeff was born into. I invite Jeff’s sisters, Jody and Julie, up to light this candle.
2nd– The second candle will be lit in honor of the family that Jeff built with his children. I invite Dominic and Samara up to light this candle.
3rd– The third candle will be lit in honor of the family that Jeff chose- his circle of friends. I invite Brian Exner up to light this candle.
Jeff’s light is part of your being- for all of you, whichever category of his family you are in. His light in you will never be extinguished, so long as you remember.
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While the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Jeff would not want your heart to be troubled. He would want you to embrace your life, live each day, and find joy and peace. My most heartfelt wish for you is that your broken pieces may heal and be stronger and more beautiful because you knew and loved Jeff.
May you know in your heart that Jeff’s journey is complete, he is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. He is reunited with the many loved ones he had been missing including his mother and father, his grandparents, uncles, aunt, and cousins. He is surrounded by love.
As we reflect on Jeff’s 54 years, it may feel like it all went by far too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Jeff present on this earth for over 5 decades. His time here was a precious gift. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Jeff’s and that you were blessed to know him.
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I’d like to share with you this poem of comfort and hope, and maybe you can hear Jeff’s voice saying these words to you:
Remembered Joy
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I followed the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call.
I took His hand and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good times, good friends, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of tomorrow.
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Jeff was born on January 20th, 1971, the beloved son of Donald and Sandra. He loved his sisters, and his family was very important to him. At his mom’s memorial service, Jeff said, “Mom called me an All-American boy, and she’d say that we are all God’s children.” At his dad’s service he said how grateful he was for his dad and all his dad did for the family.
For 30 years, Jeff dedicated himself to working long hours as an industrial mechanical technician at SC Johnson Wax to provide for his family. He was a devoted family man and proud father. He fulfilled his goal of moving to Waterford to raise his kids. He loved his family so much, and he put his children first. He cherished every activity and moment with his kids over the years.
Jeff enjoyed entertaining and hosting family and friends. He rarely missed an opportunity to gather everyone together for good food, drinks, and fun. He was always cracking jokes and making others smile and laugh. He had a gift for creating a joyful environment and ensuring everyone felt comfortable and cared for. He was always looking out for others and exuding kindness. He had a special way of bringing peace to a situation and helping you to think clearly.
Jeff was always up for an outdoor adventure. From grilling and fishing to swimming and biking, he brought enthusiasm and joy to all he did. He enjoyed many trips up north with his dad, uncle, and cousin. He had fun on many hunting trips with long-time friend Mike and his dad and other friends. He enjoyed working out. He loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers and, win or lose, was an avid fan and proud of his team. He cherished watching the games with his dad whenever possible. He enjoyed his time living in Florida, but Wisconsin was always home.
Jeff missed his mom and dad so much. He was always very close with his parents and grandparents. When his dad was in the hospital, Jeff would always say that Dad was going to come home. At some point, and we never know when, home becomes heaven. And, surrounded by his family, Jeff is in his forever home, and that’s a very happy place for him to be.
Jeff cared so much about each and every one of you, and he would not want tears without smiles. There are countless stories to tell and memories to relive. I invite you to continue to share the memories, share the love today and in the days and years to come. Learn the lessons, look to the good times, and carry forth Jeff’s legacy of joy and kindness- one moment at a time.
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As you may know, Jeff’s phone never rang quietly. When you heard, Just a Good Ol’ Boy, you knew Jeff was nearby- and probably about to make you laugh. That song reminds us that Jeff lived with authenticity, humor, and joy- exactly how he’d want to be remembered. Here’s to Jeff and the beautiful life lived by a unique individual! May thoughts of him always bring a smile to your face and light into your heart.
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Jeff will be forever loved and missed by his son, Dominic, his daughter, Samara, his former spouse and mother of his children, Tammy, his sisters, Jody and Julie, and their families, his lifelong best friend and brother, Brian, and many other dear extended family members, cousins, and friends.
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Jeff, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly