Lawrence "Larry" Miller

Lawrence “Larry” J. Miller, 80, of German Valley peacefully passed on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, in his home, after a battle with cancer. Larry was a man of many journeys, born April 28, 1938, in Monroe Center, the son of William H. and Ethel M. (Hinericksen) Miller. He was one of 15 children. Prior to living in German Valley, he called Lake Tomahawk, WI, home for 17 years and before that lived in the Rockton and Rockford areas for most of his life. A man with a doctorate in all worldly things from the University of Hard Knocks. Larry served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the 32nd Transport Company before returning to Rockford, where he worked for an incredible 40 years as a heavy equipment hauler for Rockford Blacktop, until he retired in 2000. During that time, he was also an avid member of the American Legion, Teamster 525, and Macktown Men’s Golf League. Larry “Opa” married Trudy Geyer on November 1, 1980, in Rockton, and together they shared many amazing adventures, vacationing to Hawaii, golfing across the United States, wintering in Florida, weddings in New York, Las Vegas, Chicago and many other destinations. However, Larry would probably say his greatest moments were the time spent with family and friends, golfing, Up North, hunting, fishing and celebrating holidays. He was a kind and generous man, always first to offer help in fixing, tinkering, or any other way he could as he was not a man who sat down often and always kept busy with one project or another. His hobbies included tracking bears to find berries for mixing up Blackberry Brandy, hunting, gardening/yard work, handyman projects, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Larry “Opa” will forever be in the hearts and memories of those he left behind. Survivors include his wife, Trudy Miller; daughters, Heidi Miller of California and Pamela Miller of Arkansas; stepchildren, Terrance Taylor of Loves Park, Emmeran (Joan) Geyer of Rockford, Bernhardt (Mary) Geyer of Rockton, Chris (Steve) Wallace of Freeport and Susan (Duane) Boomgarden of German Valley; grandchildren, Bernhardt (Shanna) Geyer of Louisville, KY, Andrew (Tommy) Wallace of Chicago, Dana (Justin) Marcinkus of Kenosha, WI, Christina (Eric) Bergin of German Valley, Emmeran (Micaela) Geyer of Rockford, Sam (Alex) Wallace of Baraboo, WI, Montana Potts and Dallas Potts, both of California, Max (Danielle) Geyer of Janesville, WI, Nathan (Julie) Wallace of Arlington, VA, Matthew (Maddie) Geyer of Chicago, Abby (Drew) Johnson of Jersey City, NJ, Macy Geyer of Chicago, IL, and Jakob Boomgarden of German Valley; great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Emma Bergin, baby girl Johnson; sisters, Delores Utley of Florida, Jackie Davis of Kentucky and Shirley Heinzman of Florida; brothers, Phillip Miller of DeKalb, Dale Miller and Steven Miller, both of Freeport; too many nieces and nephews to mention; and numerous other family members and close friends. Predeceased by his parents; 8 siblings; and an infant great-grandson, baby John Bergin.

Memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 16, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 2 p.m. to service time.