Leo Benedict Miller, age 86, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2014. He was born to Pete and Ellen (Clark) Miller on March 12, 1928, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He grew up in the Town of Union and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1948. He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie (Surguy) on September 18, 1950, and together they raised 8 children. They farmed the homestead Leo grew up on until they moved into the City in the mid 1960's. Leo also worked at Uniroyal for 37 ½ years. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, and water and downhill skiing. Leo and Marge were founding members of St. James the Greater Parish where you could regularly see Leo ushering at the 10:00 Mass. He was a proud alumnus of St. Patrick's High School and a huge supporter of its successor, Regis High School. Leo is survived by his wife, Marge; 6 children, Kathy Boone of Eau Claire, Karen (Mike) Hillyard of Aurora, CO, Nancy (Bob) Aumueller of Eau Claire, John (Mary Ann) Miller of Eau Claire, Mary Maresh (Wes Fredrickson) of Salt Lake City, UT and Mike (Kris) Miller of Eau Claire; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Pete Jr.; an infant sister; his daughter, Jane Palmer; and his son, Joe Miller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Father Tom Krieg will be officiating. The family thanks the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital for their loving care and support, and Leo's daughter and our sister, Nancy, for devoting so much time taking care of not only Leo, but Marge as well. On his 85th birthday, Leo was given a Lifetime Achievement award by his two oldest grandsons Jason and Nathan Rykal. The sentiment on it can be echoed by all of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids: "For the love and grace you have shown us, and exemplifying what a gentleman and role model should be. We are eternally grateful and will love you always and forever. We wouldn't be us if weren't for you!"

Service Information

Visitation

Wednesday, September 10 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, September 10 2014 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703