MOUNT HOREB - Vern J. Miller, age 83, of Mount Horeb, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2024, at his country residence surrounded by his family. He was born on March 6, 1941, in Richland Township, Wis., the son of Earl and Florence (Schricker) Miller. He was born at home on the farm where he grew up milking cows and doing fieldwork.
After attending a one-room schoolhouse in Boaz, Wis., Vern graduated and later went on to earn his degree at MATC for Automotive Mechanics. He proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1966. On Sept. 2, 1978, he married Cheryl “Cheri” (Hotmar) Miller in Madison, Wis.
Vern spent his working career as an auto mechanic, retiring in 1997, after 32 years with the University of Wisconsin - Madison. During his many years at the UW Garage, Vern was said to be especially knowledgeable about hydraulic systems and had an ear for diagnosing any car by sound. In his free time, he enjoyed muskie fishing, hunting, camping, a good game of euchre, home improvements and sitting on his back porch enjoying nature. He loved spending time raising and showing rabbits, specializing in the Rex and Champagne d’Argent breeds. He was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), Wisconsin State Rabbit Breeders Association, and the National Rex and Champagne Rabbit Clubs. In addition, he was a proud founding member of the Misty Hills RBA for several years. Vern was a kind and generous man, a jack of all trades, and was known as a great neighbor and friend. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his family deeply.
Vern is survived by his wife, Cheri; daughters, Colleen (Aaron) Curtner, Mary Sue (Gary) Merritt and Cindy O’Meara; son, Dale Miller; sister, Carol Ninedorf; brothers, Jerry (Carol) Miller and Tom Miller; and several nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Florence Miller; mother and father-in-law, Morey and Lenore Hotmar; sisters, Virginia "Ginny" (Bill) Lord and Gloria (Charlie) Thompson; brother, Johnny Miller; and brother-in-law, Phil Ninedorf.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
