Miller, Willis

Willis Miller, 79, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at his home near Victor. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor, with the Rev. Brian Shepley officiating. Organist will be Marilyn Kriegel, and vocalist Anna Upah. Interment will follow the service Tuesday at Calvary Cemetery in Victor. Visitation will be from 1 until 7 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 4 to 7 p.m., at Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Willis was born May 29, 1933, to Theodore and Daisy Force Miller, north of Brooklyn. He was raised in Hartwick, Iowa and graduated from Hartwick High School. He was united in marriage to JoAnn Wentland on Nov. 29, 1952, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor. The couple was blessed with 10 children.

Willis farmed near Victor and also worked with the Rohrer Brothers of Victor. After farming he worked as a mechanic at the Leo Kelly Co. and later construction.

He enjoyed caring for his large yard, and his dogs, Teddy and Tessa. He enjoyed collecting miniature International tractors that his grandchildren admired and once in awhile would get to play with one. He loved his Pringles, diet Pepsi, and Snicker candy bars, but most of all he loved his children and was always bragging about them.

Willis is survived by his children, Jane Rupp of Roseville, Calif., David (Kathy) Miller of Victor, Julie (Larry) Grier of Guernsey, Mary Jo (John) Patton of Victor, Michael Miller of Victor, Jeff Miller of Victor, Randy (Marilyn) Miller of Victor, Lori (Steve) Slaymaker of Marengo, Katie (Jake) Miller of Wellboro, Pa., and Tim Miller of Blairstown; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; brother, Dean Miller of Bremerton, Wash.; and sisters, Betty (Wayne) Klemmenson of Elberon and Doris Henderson of Adel, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, of 58 years, parents; brother, Walter Miller; and grandson, Todd Miller.

Published Jan. 21, 2013 in The Gazette