Charles "Chuck" J. Miller

Charles J. Miller "Chuck", of Westby, WI, died peacefully at home August 24, 2021, surrounded by his family due to complications of many health issues, including Parkinson's Disease. This is a celebration of the life of Chuck Miller, known in the community for his quick wit, the twinkle in his eye, and his contagious smile and laughter – and for his “magic wand”– the name his golf buddies gave to his uncannily accurate putter. His renditions of "Me and Bobby McGee" brought us joy, and his departure now brings us tears. Chuck was born on October 18, 1941, in Milwaukee to Charles H. and Helen (Scoles) Miller. His parents divorced, and after his mother married Sgt. Major C.E. James, he became an “army brat” living in many states and in the country of Greece. While his stepdad was between posts, they lived in Elroy, WI, where Chuck attended high school. When his parents were on an overseas assignment in Iran, his wonderful Uncle Howard and Aunt Carmen invited him to live with them and their three girls so he could attend Elroy High School, where he participated in sports and drama. He graduated in 1959. Chuck lived with his father and Uncle Don while attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1966. He earned his master's degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1975. His master's thesis was on the social history of Westby – this small town that adopted him and which he loved. His thesis is used in the local library to this day. He also served in the National Guard for seven years. In Milwaukee, Chuck's cousin Barb introduced him to her roommate Lonnie, the woman who became “the lady of his life” and wife of almost 58 years. They married in 1963 and had four wonderful children. Chuck began teaching World History and Driver's Ed in Westby in 1966 and retired in 1998. Chuck coached golf, baseball, football, Knowledge Master, and the High Quiz Bowl team, which won several championships in the tri-state area. He was also student council advisor. He loved his career and was passionate about knowledge, social justice, and golf. He was proud of activities that put academia in the limelight. After retirement, Chuck and Lonnie had wondrous adventures traveling to Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Canadian Rockies. They also returned to Athens, Greece, where Chuck gazed once more at the Aegean Sea, which he claimed he was the first person to ever water ski. They spent two months each year in Florida, including seventeen years at Edgewater in Panama City Beach, where they made so many good friends, both from the U.S. and Canada. Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Leilani (Lonnie) née Meylor; children Jodi (Brian) Langenhorst of LaCrosse, Tom (Jodell) Miller of Woodbury MN, Krista (Scott) Anderson of Stillwater MN, and Robb Miller and girlfriend Sarah Rentz of Crystal MN; grandchildren Nick and Lauren Langenhorst (fiancé Tim Buchner), Tristan, Alex, Riley, and Miranda Miller, Molly and Abby Anderson, and Ty and Evan Miller; siblings Mary James and Patrick James (Kathy); siblings-in-law Joe (Nancy) Meylor, Marlene (Gordon) Hoerig, and Marilyn Meylor; Aunt Carmen and her daughters, Jennie, Sherry, and Nettie; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Matthew Scott Anderson; sister Patsy Judd; brothers-in-law Norman Meylor and Duane Judd; several special aunts and uncles, including Howard Miller; niece Gwyn; and Lonnie's parents, Joe and Lydia Meylor. Chuck fought valiantly against his recent health difficulties. He is now at peace, but his absence will leave a significant void in the lives of all who loved him. Farewell for now to Chuck Miller: The Triviamancer; Slayer of Crossword Puzzles; Master of the Cribbage Board; Vanquisher of Clogged Plumbing; Golfer Extraordinaire and Driver of Four-Holes-In-One; The Man Who We Thought Knew Everything and Usually Did; The Man So Humble He Would Be Mortified from All This Attention. He was the ultimate family man. We miss you already. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Chuck will be laid to rest at Our Saviors Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to the Westby Norse Fund or the Westby Area Performing Arts Center. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Bland Clinic, his hospice nurses, and his home health aides, who all cared for him so warmly. Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby is serving Chuck's family. 708 S. Main Street Westby, WI 54667 608-634-2100