Gene Miller, Jr., 70, Owatonna
Gene Miller Jr., of Owatonna, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 2, 2024.
Gene was born on Nov. 16, 1953, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to Eugene and Beverly Miller. He was raised in Waconia. In high school, Gene was a talented football, basketball, and track star and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Drum and Bugle Corps.
He met his wife, Ann, who he adored, in June 1975. They were married on March 28, 1981, at St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria.
Gene’s career included starting his own videography business, tool and die work, and grew into engineering and engineering sales. In 1996, he and Ann made the big decision to move to Owatonna, MN, to start their own business. He was vice president and CFO and handled all the back-office work for their staffing company for 28 years.
In 1994, Gene was voted mayor of Norwood. As mayor, he spearheaded the successful campaign to merge the towns of Norwood and Young America. During this time, he and Ann completely restored their Victorian home back to its original splendor.
Gene decided to be a stay-at-home dad after Nick was born. Raising Jamie, Nick, and Zach was his favorite job. He genuinely enjoyed showing them how to be responsible, work hard, and live life, all while having fun. He captured all the big and small moments on the latest and greatest camcorder of the time. From rescuing turtles, planting trees, chasing tornados, splitting wood, shooting guns, playing sports, and eating pizza and playing arcade games at Shakey’s, he showed them everything.
In the later part of his life, he and his wife, Ann, started motorcycling again and rode tens of thousands of miles throughout the U.S. and Canada. He appreciated the beauty of this country and loved to travel and see it all.
Gene always got involved in the community. Over the years, he coached St. Joseph’s boys basketball in Waconia, girls basketball in Norwood, St. Bernard’s boys and girls basketball in Cologne, Ann’s softball team in Chaska, and Park & Rec. basketball in Owatonna. Also, in Owatonna, he served on community boards, helped set up the first computer lab at St. Mary’s School, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, rode with the Patriot Guard Riders, was the den leader for Cub Scouts Pack 354, and then became the long-term treasurer for Boy Scouts Troop 253.
Gene was most proud of his wife, his kids and kids-in-law, his friends, the business, his highly customized motorcycles, and just as importantly, his beautifully landscaped and striped green yard with absolutely no dandelions.
He will also be remembered for his love of gift-giving and his uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone.
Gene was able to experience a lot of his favorite things in the last month. He loved fireworks and coordinated his grandest fireworks spectacular on July 3 with his family and friends. He also was able to show his kids one of his favorite things to do. On July 27, the family rented a van and road-tripped out to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ann, daughter Jamie (Jeff) Morness, sons Nicholas (Elena) and Zachary, brothers Dick (Kim) Miller, Gary (Jennifer) Miller; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom Notermann, Diane Aretz, Kathy (Mike) Reishus, Suzie (Dan) Hilgers, Stan Notermann, Mary Hart, Paul (Lucy) Notermann, Bill (Dee) Notermann, Donna (Doug) Korum, special family friends Savanna Hosler and Ardis Stotts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation and Memorial Service in Owatonna, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at Brick - Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna. Visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 6:30 p.m. and dinner to follow.
Mass of Christian Burial is set for Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 12 p.m. at St. Victoria Catholic Church,8228 Victoria Dr., Victoria. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., a luncheon to follow at Winchester & Rye Restaurant. For more information or to leave a condolence message go to www.megercares.com.