Gordon Wayne Miller passed away peacefully in the afternoon of November 19, 2017 surrounded by those who loved him. He was called home after a long battle with heart issues as a result of Agent Orange.
Gordy was born in Wallace, Michigan on November 13, 1945 to John and Ella (King) Miller. His family moved to Gillett, Wisconsin when Gordy was three years old. He attended Gillett Schools and graduated in 1963. He was drafted into the service in October 1965 and served in Vietnam as a radio transmitter. He returned home in September 1967. He married Jean Van Lannen in August 1970 and welcomed their first child, Crystal Dawn in June 1971. In July 1972, they welcomed twins, Rodney Alan and Wesley Joe.
In the mid-1980s, Gordy moved to Milwaukee, where he worked as a machinist for 20 years. He never forgot his up-north roots and tried to attend Gillett High School sports as often as he could.
Gordy moved to Shawano in 2007 and began attending every Gillett High School sporting event he could, recognized as Gillett’s #1 Fan. He loved to cheer on his boys and girls every game, often traveling to away games. You could typically find him in the same spot on the bleachers, on the football sidelines, or near the dugout, always there to give high fives, a pep-talk, a shoulder to cry on, and especially to give the refs a piece of his mind. If he wasn’t at a sporting event, he still knew all of the stats of the games. He was also a big fan of the M&O conference, willing to recognize a hardworking player on an opposing team – among his favorites were Lauren Edlebeck (Wauskaukee) and Millie Benson (STAA).
When Gordy was not at games, he liked to tinker in his garage, taking apart TVs and other electronics, calling his little shop ‘Miller and Granddaughters.’ Word spread that Gordy would take any electronics, and people as far as Rhinelander would drop off their junk for him. Gordy could not go anywhere without seeing someone he knew because he made friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed going to the casino, especially on Mondays to get his senior chicken dinner. He loved playing blackjack with friends from all over and trying his luck on the slot machines.
Gordy is survived by his three children and his grandchildren: Crystal (daughter: Ella), Rodney (wife: Jennifer, daughters: Katilyn and Kami), and Wesley (children: Dylan and Claire; Carrie, children: Tyler and Emma); niece: Linda Myers; cousins: Jim, Kenny, and Carl who were more like brothers; and many other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents: John and Ella; four sisters: Emily, Nancy (Kay, Ronald, Douglas, Patti, and Melodie), Kathy, and Lillian; nephew: Timothy; and his best friend during his service in the Vietnam War: Raymond Elliot of Chestertown, MD who passed away in Vietnam in January 1967.
The Funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 25 at Gillett Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9am and the service will begin at 11am, followed by a luncheon.
As per Gordy’s wishes, Gillett School students and staff are encouraged to wear their Gillett apparel or jerseys.
Gordy’s family would like to thank Legacy Funeral Home in Gillett for arrangements.
Services
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Visitation
Saturday, November 25, 2017
9 to 10:45 AM
Gillett Baptist Church
10780 Town Hall Road
Gillett, WI 54124
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Funeral Service
Saturday, November 25, 2017
11 AM
Gillett Baptist Church
10780 Town Hall Road
Gillett, WI 54124
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Graveside Service
Saturday, November 25, 2017
12:15 PM
Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery
S. Elm Street
Gillett, WI 54124
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