Kenneth P. Miller

MADISON-Kenneth P. "Ken" Miller, Sr. passed away at Agrace HospiceCare on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at 11:40 p.m. He was born in Richland Center, the son of Jess and Adella (Jensen) Miller on July 14, 1948. Ken attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he was a heavy-weight wrestler and graduated in 1970 with a BS in Physical Education. He taught at Queen of Apostles Parochial Boy's School, Madison, Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Fountain City, Wis., and Barneveld High School, Barneveld, Wis. Ken was devoted to his family as husband to Janet (Ebert) who fell in love with him at age 14 and was married to for almost 48 years; as father to Kenneth P. "Kenny" (Antonio) Miller, Jr., Kevin J. (Heather) Miller and Keith N. (Theresa) Miller; and as grandfather to Camden, Kole, Kooper, Kaden, and Seth. For the grandsons he always had a dollar for a kiss. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Riley of Highland, Wis., Tom (Jan) Miller of Cobb, Wis; and many nieces and nephews from around the country who remember his giving nature and great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Adella; brother, John "Jack" Miller; infant brother, Lawrence Joseph; infant sister, Nancy Helen; brothers-in-law, John "Jack" Riley and Donald Ebert; and his beloved cat, Booger. Ken was an extremely hard-working individual whether as a highly successful sales representative, effective teacher, or inspiring coach in the sport he loved, wrestling. While he was especially proud of his sons, he was also proud that when he was at CFC, his wrestling team was ranked in the top twenty of all Wisconsin high school teams, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame for his life-time accomplishments in wrestling. Not only did his wrestling abilities provide a substantial scholarship to the UW, it also formed his life's philosophy of positive thinking, determination, dedication, and discipline. This philosophy was passed on in a loving, generous, and honest way to his sons, friends, and students. But his number one goal was to provide the greatest happiness for his sweetheart of fifty-two years whom he cherished as much as she cherished him. His final years at Badger Prairie Health Care Center were made extremely comfortable and entertaining. Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg provided an exceptional level of care and compassion from the moment he was admitted to the very end. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. All are invited to celebrate his life with his family beginning with a visitation at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Richland Center. Flowers are a welcome remembrance, but if you are considering a memorial donation, the family respectfully requests that they be made to Huntington's Disease Society of America (hdsa.org). Additionally, Agrace HospiceCare could use a few good joke books for their library. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420