Monday, November 09, 2009

LT. BRET T. MILLER

Monday, November 09, 2009


Lt. Bret Travis Miller, 30, of East Troy, died Oct. 28, 2009 while flying a training mission over the gulf coast of Texas. He was born in Oconomowoc on Dec. 22, 1978 to Rick and Judy (Neumann) Miller, the youngest of three children.

He grew up in East Troy and graduated from East Troy High School with the Class of 1997. He was well known for his academic and athletic achievements. He was a National Honor Society Scholar as well as the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball. He was a four-time varsity letter winner in golf and basketball and graduated with high honors.

He earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland where he graduated with the Class of 2001. He continued to play basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering. Upon graduation from USNA in 2001, he discovered his love of Naval Aviation. He attended primary flight training at VT-28, followed by advanced multi-engine training at VT-31 where he earned his Wings of Gold.

Following additional training at the FRS he reported to the War Eagles of VP-16 for his fleet tour. He earned qualifications as Patrol Plane Commander, FCF Pilot, Mission Commander and Instructor Pilot and successfully completed two deployments. He was a leader and a professional in every sense, he essentially held every qualification in the T-34.

He married Brianne M. Voss on Oct. 8, 2005 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. While serving in Jacksonville, Fla., they welcomed their first son, Chase in Feb. 2007, and Brianne is expecting their second son in March of 2010.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. Survivors include his wife; son, Chase; parents, East Troy; mother-in-law, Twila Voss, Elkhorn; sister, Tara (Gary) Grocholski, North Prairie; brother, Chad (Laura), Watertown; nieces, Hailey and Grace Grocholski; nephew, Noah; brother-in-law, Braidon Voss, Elkhorn; sisters-in-law, Brittney Voss, Menomonie and Brooke Voss, Elkhorn; grandparents, Elaine (Alex) Gamez, Pewaukee and Shirley Williams Bohrman, Oconomowoc.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, David Voss; Grandparents, Harold Neumann, Harry (Shirley) and Jack Bohrman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 in the gymnasium at East Troy High School with the Rev. Maurice W. Lind officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in East Troy.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at the high school.

Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Homes of Elkhorn assisted the family. To view an online obituary and guest registry visit hdlfuneralhomes.com or remembertherangers.com.