Jean Ellen Miller, 97

Jean Ellen Miller, a devoted mother, farm wife, and longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer, died April 22, 2025, at Whispering Pines in Plover. She was 97.

Jean was born June 21, 1927, to Hugh and Margaret (née Doyle) Leary. She grew up on a farm surrounded by 11 siblings, where she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family—two values that guided her throughout her life.

After marrying Gordon Miller, the couple raised eight children on a dairy farm, where Jean was known for her patience, kindness, and strength. She embraced the life of a farm wife and mother wholeheartedly, often baking homemade apple pies, singing and playing the piano with her children, and cherishing every family gathering.

Despite the demands of farm life, Jean found time to enjoy gardening, sewing, reading, and listening to Elvis Presley and country music. She especially looked forward to watching the Lawrence Welk Show and playing cards during family and church get-togethers.

Jean was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer, where she was active in the Altar Society. She also took pride in serving as an election official, greeting local voters with her warm smile.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Marcia Morris) Miller, Jane (Robert) Shroda, Barbara (Robert) Dickenshied, Nancy (Victor) Konopacki, David (Carmen Suchon) Miller, Larry (Janelle) Miller, Lynette (Nathan) Wolosek, and Kathleen (Chuck) Rolli; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman Leary; and a sister, Donna Chernesky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents; and her siblings, Richard, Frederick, Leroy, Hugh, David, Raphael, Leonard, Alice, and Lucille.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception, 7176 Esker Road in Custer. Visitation will be held at Shuda Plover Funeral Home, 2400 Plover Road, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, with a General Rosary at 6:30 p.m., and again Friday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for the purchase of memorial trees to be planted at the family farm in Jean’s honor.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.shudafuneral.com.