Theresia Lucille Miller

Although Theresia L. Miller valued many things in her life, none were more important than creating close relationships with the family she treasured so deeply. She was a devoted mother and proud grandmother and great grandmother, who gave selflessly to enrich the lives of those she loved. Theresia was a woman of great strength who worked hard throughout her life, and with faith as her guide, she persevered through trials that came her way, always remaining true to the joy that was in her heart.

Theresia Lucille Miller was born on June 16, 1914, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to John and Theresia (Hoffman) Rasmussen. Although the United States was quickly modernizing itself in the face of a coming war, Theresia led a typical childhood growing up surrounded by her very large family as she was the third youngest of 14 children. Like many young girls of the time, Theresia left school after the 8th grade to help her mother in their family home.

In 1935, Theresia’s life took a new direction when she married James Edward Miller. They had seven children together, and Theresia was a devoted mother to Icadene, Dorene, TehrRena, Alta, James, Calvin and Ethel. After her children were older, Theresia went to work outside the home as a professional seamstress at Milwaukee Glove Factory, and later at Mullenbach’s Bridal Gowns. In time, she put her talents to use in her own business out of her home, making beautiful bridal gowns and formal dresses. Her stunning work was sought out by many girls who participated in beauty pageants in Wisconsin; her workmanship spoke for itself.

Eventually, when Theresia was no longer able to sew, she started out on a new adventure, selling her home and moving to Manitowoc, where she opened a furniture resale shop. Funny, her kids never knew what they would be sitting or eating on each night for “everything” was for sale. The things of this earth did not hold Theresia, for she knew her treasures were being laid up for her in heaven with Jesus.

In her leisure time, Theresia enjoyed playing cards, particularly cribbage, and spending time with her family. During the Vietnam War, she was a member of the Blue Star Mothers Club, which supported those who had sons/daughters in active service in the war. All of her family and 30 grandchildren and too many great and great, great grandchildren to count will miss her dearly, but we know that she is with her Lord and Savior.

Theresia Lucille Miller entered into her rest on Sunday, July 29, 2012, at the age of 98, at St. Ann Rest Home in Milwaukee, WI, where she resided for the past several years. She is survived by her children: Dorene (Anthony/Tony) Zuege, TehrRena/Terri Canine, Alta (Charles, deceased) Monte, James W. Miller, Calvin E. Miller, and Ethel Therese Sagert. She had 30 grandchildren and too many great and great, great grandchildren to count. Also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Miller, and child, Icadene/Icy M. Davis.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 2, at the Niemann / Suminski Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Suminski Life Story Funeral Homes, Niemann / Suminski, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202; 414-744-5156. Please visit Theresia’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or photo and sign her online guest book.