Patricia “Pat” Miller
Patricia “Pat” Miller, age 86, passed away peacefully, with loving family surrounding her, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice and CCRLC floor staff.
Pat was born on March 2, 1939, in Manly, Iowa, to Jesse and Gail (Cooper) Tomlinson. She was the oldest of five siblings and was a 1957 graduate of Manly High School.
Pat married Duwayne Gallion in August 1957. They became a military family, with Duwayne serving in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, they dairy farmed in the Manly/Mason City, Iowa area. In 1969, they moved to Spencer, Wisconsin where they continued to dairy farm and raise their four sons.
In 1975, Pat was widowed following Duwayne’s battle with cancer. In 1976, Pat married John “Bucky” Miller, combining their families and dairy farms together. They raised six boys together on the farm. Pat was again widowed in 2003 following an agricultural accident.
She was a devoted farm wife and mother, and a true herdswoman. Whether she was milking cows at dawn or tending her vegetable and flower gardens, she found great joy in the rhythm of the seasons. She was an avid bird watcher, making sure bird feeders were always filled and referencing her birding books when we weren’t sure what bird we were seeing. She was a devout member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer, giving much of her spare time to church activities including quilting, gathering items for mission layettes, or helping with funerals.
Pat is survived by her sons: David (Karen) Gallion, Spencer; Steven (Natalya) Gallion, Hollister, Calif.; Terry (Cheryl) Gallion, Spencer and Tim (Wendy) Gallion, Milwaukee; three stepchildren: Jim (Debbie Kunze) Miller, Spencer; Scott Miller, Spencer and Penny Lekie, Chaska, Minn. Pat will be greatly missed by her 16 grandchildren/ step-grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren/step-great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her three sisters, one brother, multiple in-laws, along with many nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents and loving husbands. A community remembrance will be held at Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer, on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Community members are welcome to pay their respects and share fond memories of Pat at that time.
There will be a private family Celebration of Life during the summer of 2026, when Pat will be interred on the farm she loved.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the St. Croix Hospice team who took such good care of Pat in her final days. Their compassionate care and support was a blessing during this difficult time.
Pat’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share memories and offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY 179536
