Richard A. “Rick” Miller, age 55, of Janesville, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at home with his wife and daughter (his girls) at his side.
He was born in Elgin, Ill., on Feb. 5, 1958, the son of Robert and Eleanor (Stoerp) Miller. Rick attended schools in Crystal Lake, Ill., and Whitewater.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW-Whitewater in 1982 and had a long career as a freelance photographer in south central Wisconsin. For the past 8 years, Rick was the associate editor of the Milton Courier.
He married the love of his life, Linda L. Larsen, on Oct. 19, 1985, in Clinton. In keeping with his appreciation of history, he was a member of the Historical Preservation Society in Milton, served as vice-chair of the Goodrich Square Steering Committee, and was part of the Historical group saving the old Tracey Oil gas station in downtown Janesville.
Music of all genres was part of his daily life, but he had a passion for the Blues and jamming with other musicians on his harps (harmonicas).
Rick was, additionally, well read and had a wealth of information on many topics. He considered himself a bit of an expert about the automobile industry and loved to regale anyone who would listen to him. Not surprisingly, he enjoyed Formula 1 and Indy car racing. Rick also loved nature and camping.
More than anything he loved spending time with his girls. Every summer they traveled to national parks and museums. His love for his daughter, Mieke, or “doodlebug,” was beyond measure. Surrounded by his family, just days before he passed, he saw Mieke graduate with honors from Craig High School in a private ceremony at home.
Rick is survived by his wife, Linda; and daughter, Mieke at home; a brother, Lawrence “Larry” (Mary) Miller of Capron, Ill.; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Marilyn Larsen Sr. of rural Janesville; sister-in-law, Debbie (Greg) Burk of Menomonee Falls; brother-in-law, Robert (Jodie) Larsen Jr. of Appleton; nieces and nephews, Melissa Miller, Amanda Burk, Adam and Abbey Larsen; aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In addition to the many friends who have held them up over the past year and a half, the family would like to thank Dr. Dena Green and Agrace HospiceCare, particularly team four, Jen, Erin, Heidi, and Dawn, Dr. Howard and Dr. Albertini from the UW Hospital and Clinic, Dr. Jill Evenson from the Naturopathic Family Clinic, as well as the staff of Craig and Parker High Schools for their endless support.
Memorial services were held Feb. 20, 2013 at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church, Janesville, with the Rev. Jamie Swanson officiating.
Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc.
Schneider Apfel Schneider & Schneider Funeral Home, Janesville, assisted the family.
For online guestbook and condolences, visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
