Kenneth J Miller II

Kenneth J. Miller II, 76, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 9, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Florida, after a brief illness.

Born on November 10, 1948, in Danville, Illinois, Ken was the son of Kenneth J. and Dorotha V. Miller of Williamsport, Indiana. He was raised in Pence, Indiana, and deeply rooted in the love of his extended family, including his grandparents James and Emma Miller of Lafayette, Indiana, and George and Lena Amick of Pence, Indiana, as well as his great aunt and uncle, Ura and Bertha Miller Seeger of West Lebanon, Indiana—all of whom preceded him in death.

Ken graduated from Seeger Memorial High School in 1967, where he was proud to play on both the football and basketball teams. He earned his B.S. in Business Economics from Indiana University in 1971, launching a successful career with the Indiana Department of Revenue, which spanned over 30 years and took him to Connecticut, Indianapolis, and finally Chicago, where he retired. Upon retirement, he relocated to Venice and later North Port, Florida, drawn by his love for warm weather, year-round golf, and fishing.

On August 12, 1978, Ken married Brenda Miles in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Together, they raised two sons: Kenneth Jason (Janine) Miller of Carol Stream, Illinois, and Matthew Miller of Woodland, Washington. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Owen, Maddie, and Aubrey Miller, all of Carol Stream.

Ken is also remembered with love by his siblings: the late Ura Leslie Miller, Karen Miller of Indianapolis, and Bertie Buchanan of Seattle, Washington. He cherished his large extended family, especially his ten nieces and nephews: Greg, Dennis, Randal, Rodric, Angela, Leslie, Geoff, Tim (deceased), Todd, and Christy.

A passionate sports fan and golfer, Ken was a longtime member of NIMAGA (Northern Illinois Men’s Amateur Golf Association) during his time in Chicago. He loved traveling, exploring new places with family and friends, and was especially proud to support his sons through their high school and college baseball and football careers. He never missed a chance to follow Seeger High School athletics, Indiana University sports, the NFL, NBA, PGA, and was a regular attendee at the Indianapolis 500. He especially enjoyed the spirited rivalry games between Purdue and Indiana, often watching with his Purdue alumni nephews, whether on TV or at Ross-Ade Stadium.

In the late 1960s, Ken’s parents purchased a family cottage at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, which Ken later made his own. The lake became a cherished gathering place for family and friends, and it was there that he spent some of his most joyful and peaceful moments. He also followed in his brother’s footsteps in attending Culver Military Academy, just across the lake.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal services. Ken often shared that his time at Lake Maxinkuckee was among the happiest of his life, and his final request was for his ashes to be scattered there—a wish that will be honored at a later date.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home for their assistance, and to the compassionate caregivers at Tidewell Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken’s honor can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, Florida 34238. Their professionalism and care in his final days were deeply appreciated.