Mark J.
Miller
Mark James Miller
Passed away unexpectedly April 5, 2022, age 73 years. Beloved father of Julie (Jon) Martin, Ross Miller and Todd Miller. Proud grandfather of Chet and Andrew Martin. Loving brother of Paul (Mary), Martha, and Tom (Laurie) Miller. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Family and friends will gather on Sat. April 23, 2022 at Heritage – Suminski / Weiss Funeral Home, 1901 N. Farwell Ave. from 9:30 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association or The Literacy Lab (please include “Mark J. Miller Memorial” under Gift Designation/Comments and the funds will be used to support literacy work in Milwaukee).
Mark was born June 6, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to James and Kathleen Miller, a data processing manager and homemaker respectively. He was followed in the next several years by brother Paul, sister Martha and brother Tom. Family was close by at an early age and served as a pillar throughout his life. Mark remembered his grandparents living on the second floor of the home and participating in daily life. He played with cousins who lived nearby.
Mark attended Pius X and Our Lady of Sorrows grade schools and graduated from John Marshall high school on Milwaukee’s northwest side. He was known to play sports with friends, including baseball and basketball.
He attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1970. Here he enjoyed a large, warm group of friends. Due to his tall stature (6’4”) he was referred to by many as “the big fella.”
He would go on to attend and graduate from the University of Texas Austin in 1974 with a Master of Sciences in Community and Regional Planning. During his lengthy and impactful career as an Environmental Planner, Mark would work for firms such as Parsons Brinckerhoff, Parsons, EMCS, Collins Engineering and most recently AECOM.
Mark was an avid reader, with many hundreds of books ranging from historical biographies to mysteries to short stories to social commentary and everything in between. He loved rereading classic favorites.
Music was another passion for Mark. It’s hard to think of a genre he did not like and he loved, rock, soul, jazz, and blues. He enjoyed exploring new artists and listening to “oldies”.
He had many other interests including art, architecture, cooking, current events and politics, about which he could speak at length. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching children play or taking a walk in the park.
Mark was a loyal friend. He loved getting together for a good time and calling to check in on people. He could be relied on to volunteer at causes meaningful to his friends. Mark was a great conversationalist. He’ll be remembered for his wonderful laugh.
“Take it easy”
Sad to lose my ” brother cousin” so early in life. From those early age birthdays, riding my bike from 87th street to 64th St to play in the summers , October fest visits at LaCrosse and onward after college Rest at peace
Mark was a good big brother. A role he didn’t ask for, but willingly took on. He gave lots of love and support to his siblings over the years. His children received the best he could give them. He cherished his many friends. Mark will be missed by many. Rest in peace, big brother.
Mark was one of the “Fearsome Four” of the Miller clan. He was born shortly after WWII and within a year of cousins Suzie, Patty and Glenn. We had such good times growing up together in Milwaukee. Then later, although more distant from one another, we cherished our gatherings in Fort Wayne for more good times with each other and the Herber clan. I remember Mark as a very fun loving and caring person. His children, and I have to assume his grandchildren too, were definitely the light of his life. He will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace, dear cousin.
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Here’s a photo of 3 of the Fearsome Four: cousins Glenn, Sue and Mark at very young age:
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I am trying one more time to get a photo of Mark and his cousins to fit within the photo frame.
Mark was a welcome neighbor. We often solved all the world problems as we stood at the fence, drink in hand while grilling out. He lived life. Loved his family and was always a willing hand if needed.
Sorry to see him pass so soon. Condolences to the family
Mark rest in peace.
The loving statements and the obituary show a man, who I am sorry I did not know well.
But I want to send my condolences .
I just remember Ross Miller at Lakeshore where I worked. If his personality reflected a little bit of his father’s.
People who knew both of them even better. I know they were blessed..
And take it easy! 😘(I loved when Ross identified the plant that had his name on a field trip.)
May our Lord continue to bless you all.
Kathryn
Farewell old friend. A great father, an astute observer of the human condition, someone who would listen and then give his two cents worth. May you rest well. See you later.