John W. Miller

John William Miller, 72, of Freeport died Saturday, September 7, 2024 at SSM Hospice Home in Monroe, WI.

He was born in 1952 to Russell and Marian (Whitson) Miller in Freeport, IL. He was raised from his early teens on by his foster parents Norman and Rose Woker of Kent, IL. John graduated from Pearl City High School in 1970 and was the class valedictorian. He also graduated from Western Illinois University where he met the love of his life—and wife of 43 years—Debra Gould. John and Deb went on to raise three children in Freeport.

John worked for Micro Switch-Honeywell in Freeport for 32 years, retiring in 2012. Upon retirement, he lived out his dream of focusing full time on his plant business. He was passionate about gardening and was the “Plant Manager” of John’s Plants until the very end.

Surviving him are his wife, Debra (Gould) Miller of Freeport and his three children: Scott Miller of Chicago, IL; Troy Miller of Downers Grove, IL; and Amelia Miller (spouse, Brandon Raygo) of Madison, WI. Also surviving him are his siblings: Steven Miller of Pearl City, IL; James Miller of Lakeland, FL; Curtis Miller of Pearl City, IL; Jeanneil Miller-Paul of Rockford, IL; Janice Scheider of Rockford, IL; and Charles Miller of Rockford, IL. Along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Marian Miller; his foster parents: Norman and Rose Woker; and his sister: Maylene Miller.

The Miller family would like to thank everyone at SSM Hospice Home and FHN Hospice for all their care and support.

A visitation will be held Friday September 13, 2024 from 4-7pm at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Funeral service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Saturday September 14, 2024 at 11am. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.