Gene Miller
With a heavy and grieving heart, I share the passing of my husband, Gene Allen Miller, who left this world on January 21, 2026, at the age of 74. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by me and our girls, under the compassionate care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.
Gene was born on November 8, 1951, to George and Leona Miller. He graduated from Athens High School in 1969 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Air Force, spending time in Thailand during the Vietnam War and later in Montana. His service was something he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.
To everyone who knew him, he was simply Geno. He spent his working years as a semi-truck driver, a job that fit him perfectly. The open road brought him a sense of peace and freedom—whether he was behind the wheel of his truck or riding his Harley, he felt most himself when the world stretched wide in front of him.
Geno and I got married on October 23, 1993. From that day forward, we built a life grounded in love, loyalty, and family. Geno embraced my three daughters as his own, guiding them, supporting them, and loving them without hesitation. In time, they blessed him with seven grandchildren, each one a source of joy and pride. Being “Grandpa” was one of the greatest honors of his life.
Geno believed deeply in friendship and community. He was a longtime member of the A & H Snowmobile Club, the Central Wisconsin Conservation Club, and the VFW—places where he found camaraderie, purpose, and people who meant a great deal to him. He enjoyed riding his Harley Trike with the VFW during the Athens parade and proudly bartended afterward, until his health no longer allowed it. He loved taking bike trips to Sturgis and traveling to Colorado and other parts of the West. He also enjoyed Bike Week in Daytona, traveling with his good friend, Randy “Bear” Faber.
Geno is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Mary; his stepdaughters and their husbands: Sara and Troy Faber, Erin and Larry Langbecker and Casey and Charlie Duerr; his beloved grandchildren: Grace Faber, Chloe Faber, Jaxon Faber, Jameson Langbecker, Samuel Langbecker, Owen Hanson and Amiyah Duerr; his siblings: Bob (Jenny) Miller, Gary (Sharon) Miller, Nancy Mader, Mary (Billy) Ellenbecker, Donnie (Laurie) Miller, Carol (Bob) Adams, Kathy (John) Punke and Judy Weise; his aunt and uncle, Leroy “Butch” and Marlene Socha; his in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Leona (Socha) Miller; his infant brother, Kenny; his brother-in-law, Tom Mader; and his father-in-law, Joseph D’Acquisto.
A funeral service will be held on February 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the service to follow. Burial will take place in the spring.
Geno was my husband, my partner, and the steady center of our family. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and the absence he leaves behind is immeasurable. Through everything he endured, he never complained; his strength was quiet, steady and unwavering. He was tough to the very end, and the love he gave so freely will remain with us always. “Goodbye, Darlin’, until we meet again.” All my love—Mar Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.lifetributesfuneralhome. com.
