Kenneth Miller

Kenneth D. Miller, 89, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2013, at the Hillview Health Care Center.

He was born in La Crescent, Minn., on January 29, 1924, to Frederick and Rosella (Morrow) Miller and graduated from West Salem High School in 1941. On April 24, 1951, he married Adrianna Ann Klos in La Crosse.

Ken served with the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942-1945 during World War II and with the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1952 during the Korean War; serving in the reserves between his tours of active duty. He was a life-time member of Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse where, along with fellow veteran and friend, Dick Nagle, he helped to establish the American Legion Post 52 Color Guard in 1958. Ken also participated in the First Freedom Honor Flight in both La Crosse and Wisconsin on October 8, 2008.

Ken was employed by Erickson Bakery in La Crosse as a route salesman, retiring in 1986 after 31 years. He was a long-time member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in La Crosse. Ken enjoyed a good game of cards with friends. He also enjoyed a day on the golf course and looked forward to his winters in Phoenix where he could continue his golf game.

Ken is survived by Ann, his loving wife of 62 years; his children, Debra Miller of Lithia, Fla., Diane (Mark) Heinzel of Hayward, Wis., Donna (Steve) Knutson of Tampa, Fla., Denise (Jay) Burns of La Crosse, and Dixie (Ken) Lightfield of El Cajon, Cal.; his grandchildren, Shawn (Shawna) and Jason Ortega, Sam and Jamie Heinzel, Andy and Stephanie Knutson, Jessica (Michael) Norman, Jenny and Michael Burns, David and Danny Brindley, and Brittney Lightfield; and three great grandchildren, Kenneth, Veronica and Michael. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gregory (Roberta) Klos, Jeanette (Richard) Schoen, Patricia Antony, Clarice (Don) Wuensch, Cornelius (Mary Jo) Klos, Don Harbort, and Jean Klos; and several nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don (Connie) Miller and Bob (Betty) Miller; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Berdine Harbort, Harold (Edith) Klos, Evelyn (Jim) Le Jeune, Virginia (Arlan) Dwyer, Lauren Klos, David Klos, Janet Klos, Catherine Klos, and Don Antony.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 10th, at 10:30 a.m., at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse, with the Rev. Douglas Robertson officiating. Military honors will immediately follow the funeral mass at the church. Ennichement of his urn will take place in the St. Joseph Mausoleum in the Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services-La Crosse Chapel, located at 200 West Ave. So., on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, the Freedom Honor Flight, or the Salvation Army. Kens family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hillview Health Care Center for the wonderful care and support they gave Ken. There kindness will always be warmly remembered by his family.