John "Jack" Miller

John "Jack" Miller

January 17, 2004 - October 03, 2021

Obituary

MIDDLETON - It is with a very heavy heart we share that John “Jack” Miller, age 17, died in a car accident on Oct. 3, 2021, in Middleton, Wis. Jack was driving with two of his best friends, Evan and Simon, when another car rear-ended their car, killing all three instantly. Jack was a senior at Middleton High School and had a great group of friends. Jack loved and was loved by his fellow soccer team members. He enjoyed hockey throughout his life and was a member of the Middleton Wings hockey program. Jack had a very diverse friend group and was a universal favorite. He was a happy, easy going, charming, handsome 17-year-old with a bright future including plans to attend college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jack loved traveling with his family and was his sister’s “adventure buddy.” He tried everything from surfing, snorkeling, whitewater rafting to jumping off bridges. He had no fear. Jack experienced many medical challenges in his life including being a survivor of leukemia, completing his cancer treatments in May 2020. Watching Jack ring the cancer-free bell brought great joy to the entire Reesor/Miller family. John “Jack” Kepley Miller was born on Jan. 17, 2004, in Lawrence, Kan. He is the son of Lori Reesor and John Jay Miller and the brother of Sarah Alice Miller. Jack lived in multiple states including Kansas, North Dakota, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The family has lived in Middleton since 2018. He leaves behind a grandfather, John “Jack” Reesor and grandparents, Sharon and George Kepley Miller; uncles, David Reesor (Cynthia Luquin), Steve Reesor (Ingrid Walter) and Charlie Elliott; and aunts, Denise Miller (Bryan Baker), Barb Koehler (Phil Koehler), Patti Bouchard and Mary Elder. Jack was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sylvia Reesor; his aunt, Kenna Elliott; and cousin, Rachelle Smith. He was close with and will be missed by first cousins, Tyler, Ryan, Kayla, Jacob, Autumn, Edyn, Alexis, Andy, Kayla and Candice; and second cousins, Alyssa, Makenna, Gavin, Logan, Mallory, Libby, Grayson and Levi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, followed by a luncheon reception in the St. Thomas Aquinas Social Hall. Friends and family who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may do so by visiting Jack’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and clicking the “Live Webcast” link. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, and again at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Saturday. On Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, there will be a joint Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m. at the Middleton High School Performing Arts Center for the three boys who lost their lives - Jack and his best friends, Evan Kratochwill and Simon Bilessi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhH-gx7wQU To view Jack's Mass of Christian Burial service, please click the following link: https://youtu.be/Fsl9UdwqJBE In lieu of flowers, the family is creating the Jack Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Events

08
Visitation
Fri Oct 8, 2021 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
09
Visitation
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church • 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI 53717
09
Livestream
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church • 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI 53717
09
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church • 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI 53717
09
Luncheon After Service
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church • 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI 53717
10
Funeral Service
Sun Oct 10, 2021 @ 1:00 PM CDT
Middleton High School • 2100 Bristol St., Middleton, WI 53562
CS
Char Smith
Other •
I do not know Jack, or any of your family. However, the news of this tragedy, leaves me with a shattered heart. May the wonderful memories of such a fabulous young man, gone much too soon, remain in your hearts, forever. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for all who knew and loved him, in your time of grief. Blessings to all... <3 Char Smith
SR
steve reesor
Other •
Jack was such a fine young man, who was fun to be around at family gatherings. His intelligence and humor will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to my sister Lori, John and Sarah. Rest in Peace Jack. Love Uncle Steve and Tante Ingrid
RT
Russ & Tess Thompson
Other •
I am truly sorry for your Loss. RIP Jack K Miller
TS
Tribute Store
Other •
With heartfelt condolences, I am sending you love and courage. You are all in my thoughts - Shannon Ellis
SS
soyeon shim
Other •
Dear Lori, My heart is broken but nothing compares to yours. What an amazing young man Jack was. Thinking of you and your family. Thinking of you, as a mother of two young adults. Soyeon Shim
KM
Kate Maddie
Other •
I had the pleasure of being a frequent babysitter during my college days for Jack and Sarah. They were my favorites! My favorite memory of Jack still makes me laugh because I can picture it perfectly! I went to pick up Jack from school one day and couldn’t find him at our usual meeting spot. I looked all around the school and still couldn’t find him. I assumed he wouldn’t be waiting for me outside because it was freezing out (North Dakota!) but sure enough I found him on top of a big “snow mountain” playing. He proceeded to refuse to come down, but he did politely invite me to the top of the mountain to play! I sat in the warm car while I let him play in the freezing cold a bit longer. It took some negotiating, but I finally got him to come down. He truly took joy in the little things- even in the freezing cold. I will remember him as a joyful, polite, funny kid/young man. I’m thankful our paths crossed. Many prayers sent to the family during this time of grief. Love, Kate (Wilson) Hovick

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