Duane E. Miller
June 18, 1936 - July 28, 2025
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB - Duane Eldon "Duke" Miller, age 89, of Mount Horeb, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Duke was born on June 18, 1936, in Verona, to Russell and Gladys (Jones) Miller. He grew up in Verona and graduated from Verona High School. Duke married Laura Rothman on February 4, 1956, and they were married for 69 years. They made their home in Mount Horeb, where he built a life rooted in family, farming, and a deep connection to his community.
Duke devoted much of his life to the dairy industry, working as a milk hauler, field man for AMPI, butter maker at Pabst Farms (now Seven Acre Dairy), and at Zander Creamery. He later joined the Mount Horeb School District and other area districts, where he worked as a school bus driver for over 30 years and also served as a janitor-all while keeping up with chores and crops on their Windy View Farm.
A man of quiet strength and enduring passion, Duke found his greatest joy working with his Percheron horses-especially his beloved team: Daisy & Doc. In retirement, he continued farming with his horses, embracing the traditions he held dear. He also enjoyed attending auctions and had a special appreciation for Limburger cheese.
He and Laura also cherished the friendships formed through their euchre card club, a beloved group that gathered regularly for more than 50 years.
Duke is survived by his devoted wife, Laura; children, Daniel, Donald, Jeanne (Mike) Ayers, Sandy (Randy) Flesher, and Sue (Doug Babler) Maurer; and son-in-law, Duane "Porky" Doescher. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Linda) and Paul (Cathy); 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Joanne Doescher; son-in-law, Scott Maurer; grandchildren, Jon and Kim Ayers; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Roberta) Miller and Dave (Ellen) Miller.
Duke will be remembered for his tireless work ethic-passed down through generations-his love of the land, and the meaningful friendships he shared with so many.
A memorial service will be held at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, with David Kiel presiding. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A private burial will be held at East Blue Mounds Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077