Larry Laverne Miller

Larry LaVerne Miller, 79, Rockford, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born November 22, 1941, in Loren, IL the son of Melvin and Margaret (Walters) Miller. He was graduate of Dakota High School class of 1959, where he played basketball and football. Larry married Michelle “Micky” Wahler on July 20, 1963, which was also the day of a total eclipse of the sun. He worked as a tool and die maker for many years at various manufacturing plants in the Rockford area. Larry’s greatest pleasure was in spending time with his family and friends. Larry spent many years coaching children’s sports. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, boating, golf, and fishing all year round. He was an avid Bears fan. Larry regularly had lunch with his classmates from high school every other month and met his fellow retirees from Borg Warner for lunch every month.
Survived by his wife, Micky; his grandchildren, Private Tyler Bontjes, US Army, serving in Germany, Connor Bontjes, and Noah Rees; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Holly (Kent) Van Leuween, Maureen (Brad) Benson, and Barbara (Tim) Abel; several nieces and nephews; and his brother, Jerry (Cindy) Miller. Predeceased by his son, Van, in 2000, and is daughter, Amanda, in 2007; his parents; his step mother, Sophie Miller; his infant brother, Joseph, his brother, Mark; and his niece, Pam Miller.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Memorials may be made to Shelter Care Ministries, 218 7th St. Rockford, IL 61104 or the Susan B. Komen Foundation 13770 Noel Rd., Suite 801889, Dallas, TX, 75380. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.