Richard James Miller

PENCE, Wis. - Richard James Miller, age 57, of Pence, died unexpectedly in his home Sunday, July 14, 2024. He was James and Therese (Blarek) Miller's first born.

Rich was a small-town country boy raised in Hatley. His first job was at the Dittbrender Farm, where he worked long days, nights and weekends tending to the cows. When the farmer had sick calves, they were tied up outside and left to die. Then "Big Hearted Al", Rich would bring them all home and nurse them back to life, especially his favorites, Jackamoanus and Daisy.

Rich graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1985. However, he didn't "want to wear a dress" (the gown), so two days before the ceremony he left for U.S. Army bootcamp in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He spent 13 years devoting his life to his country and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was amongst some of the first troops deployed to Desert Shield in 1990 and participated in Desert Storm. He was a helicopter mechanic, which meant flying in the thick of it, to recover downed aircraft.

One hot summer day at Hodag Festival Rich met the love of his life, Robin Herman. Soon they fell head over heels for each other and tied the knot on Nov. 5, 1998. They recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. Robin surprised him while they were packing with Kennedy Space Center admission tickets, a bucket list trip for Rich. Rich was over the moon, fitting but true, as his endless love for outer space was very expensive. He was ready to go where no man has been before, just like his favorite Original Star Trek Series.

After the army, Rich attended Fox Valley Tech and earned his associate's degree in nursing which allowed him to have a fulfilling career as a registered nurse at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, Michigan. Rich adored the elderly residents' stories and had a natural gift of brightening their day with a joke or anecdote, reminding him of his grandpa Miller telling him about the good 'ole days. He was always so very caring and brought his big heart filled with happiness.

In his free time, Rich loved taking his granddaughter Leah and his black lab Pepper on adventures in his side by side, affectionately referred to as "his buggy." A major joy of his was taking trips and spending quality time, making memories with his family, especially at their camper in Canada. Rich enjoyed baking, canning, cooking, grilling and shopping for his family. Above anything, Rich loved being a grandpa. His phone overflowed with pictures of his grandchildren that provided him with so much comfort and unconditional love. He was the grandpa everyone wanted, spoiling them with his love and affection.

Rich had a beautiful soul that shone brightly. He was exceptionally kind to all that were blessed enough to be in his presence, and in return his family, friends and all that crossed his path gave him an abundance of love. He was kind and generous and had a giving heart. His selfless support was given to anyone who needed him, no matter what. Rich was a loving husband, dedicated father, doting grandpa, devoted son, caring brother and friend. Rich left us far too soon, but he will never leave our hearts. It is hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Robin Miller; three children, Samantha (Zach Smith) Miller, Dakota (Khristina Powell) Miller and Cole Miller; four grandchildren, Elsie, Leah, and the twins Daniel and Elijah; his mother, Therese Miller; sister, Rebecca (LaRay Yarbrough) Wilson; many nephews and nieces; brother and sisters' in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins; and his devoted companion of six years, Pepper.

Rich was greeted at Heaven's Gate by his father, James A. Miller, who excitedly awaited his arrival to collaborate and create projects, knowing Robin is teasing him about his "putzin around". His in-laws were also very happy to see him, greeting him with the smell of a fresh batch of Loretta Herman's caramel brownie bars and Rod with a broken vehicle he needed Rich to repair.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the funeral service at 6 p.m. at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., Ironwood, MI 49938. On Wednesday, July 24, there will be a private interment in the field of honor at Northwoods National Cemetery, in Harshaw.

In lieu of flowers, Rich would have loved you to donate to animals in need at the Hope Animal Shelter.

Rich's family extends a special thanks to the Iron County Sheriff Dept. and the Hurley Police Dept. for their compassion during this difficult time.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Rich's legacy of life. For additional info, please contact the funeral home at 906-932-1141 or visit mckevittfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Rich with his family.

Rich,

You have left a giant hole in my heart, but we have made so many memories together that I will cherish you forever. We've been partners for more than half my lifetime and I will miss you more than you could ever know.

Love Always,

Robin