Constance Miller
October 18, 1943 - July 30, 2021
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE - Constance Gerstner “Connie” Miller, age 77, of Sun Prairie, and formerly of Kalamazoo Mich., passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021, at Hyland Crossing. She was born on Oct. 18, 1943, in Stanford, Ky., the daughter of Don and Donna (Krueger) Utter.
Connie grew up in Stoughton, Wis. Her love of animals began during a childhood of being raised on a farm. She showed sheep, horses and dogs in 4-H and was Wisconsin Queen Barrel Racer in high school. Connie graduated from Stoughton High School in 1961 and then went on to cosmetology school.
Connie spent 60+ years in the sport of dogs, 57 years breeding “Malagold” Golden Retrievers. From 1972-1993, she owned Malagold Kennels, a successful boarding/grooming/training kennel in DeForest, Wis. She was previously an AKC licensed All-Breed professional handler and member of the Dog Handler’s Guild. Connie was known worldwide for her breeding reputation and bred more than 150 AKC champion and performance titled dogs. She was also an accomplished judge and mentor in breeder education, and as an AKC Sporting Group Judge she judged throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
Connie was a former owner / VP of the United Kennel Club, in Kalamazoo, Mich., where she met her husband, Fred Miller, who was a past president of the United Kennel Club. Connie enjoyed a 50+ year membership in the Golden Retriever Club of America, and in 2015 she was a nominee for the Purina Breeder of the Year. She recently moved to Sun Prairie to be closer to her daughter, Geri.
Connie is survived by daughter, Geri (Blake) Hart; grandchildren, Aubrey (Christopher Koenigsknecht) Hart and Kade Hart; sister, Lynne (Ronald) Rutkowski; special friend and co-breeder of Malagold Goldens, Melissa Davis-Tripp; caregiver, Laura Wickham; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Utter; and her husband, Fred Miller.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be gifted in Connie’s name to The Golden Retriever Foundation-Golden Retriever Club of America and Brighton Hospice.
Special thank you to Hyland Crossings Memory Care and Brighton Hospice for all their loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Gunderson Funeral Home
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Pamela Oxenberg
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Geri Blake and Melissa We are saddened by the loss of your Mother and want to send you our deepest condolences . Connie will always have a place in our hearts. When I think of her I think of a strong charismatic independent thinker that Had great influence in our lives. She was most beloved And will always be remembered by her energy and determination and her strong voice.
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BARB FISHER
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To the Connie Family : I feel blessed to have been able to attend one of the Fossils clinics in Michigan at her lovely home. See her lovely dogs and mostly meet some GREAT people because of her hosting the clinic. She was a sharp lady! Remembered you even years after. RIP wonderful lady. Family and close ones -you have lost a legend but I know she passed her astute character on.