Daniel Miller

Daniel J. Miller of Madison, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2016, as the result of an accident in Costa Rica. He was born in Oshkosh to the late Eugene and Marie (Baier) Miller. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Larsen-Miller, with whom he shared 29 wonderful years of marriage.

Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UW-Madison and continued to be a life-long learner. His professional life was diverse and included working as a mentor for the developmentally disabled in Vermont and as a Master Mechanic for Foreign Car Specialists in Madison. Dan's last job was as an Auto Insurance Adjuster for Allstate, a perfect fit for his incredible interpersonal skills, love for automobiles and attention to detail. Dan was not defined by his work, but rather by his unrelenting desire to live life to its fullest. He enjoyed swimming, sailing, golfing, kayaking, biking and skiing. In fact, he skied the American Birkebeiner Race in Hayward 16 times. Dan had the patience and talent to fix just about anything and joyfully helped anyone who needed it. Dan was also an accomplished and talented photographer. His deep love of travel and nature fueled his passion for photography and he was successfully showing and selling his art. Recently some of his unique underwater pieces were purchased for UW Hospital's permanent collection. Dan's achievement and potential in photography, just as his life, ended too soon. A great talent has been lost; however, his beautiful and distinctive work will live on as his legacy to the world.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Pat; siblings, Betty (Terry) Harrison, Rich Miller, Marcia (Jon) Petersen, Paul (Marianne) Miller, Bill Miller and Susie (Mike) Meidl; in-laws, Nick and Lynda Kendall; nephews, Jim and Paul Harrison; nieces, Olivia (Matt) Godfrey and Maddie Kendall; as well as countless friends and neighbors that will deeply miss him, his compassion, and silly sense of humor.

A celebration of Dan's life will be held Saturday, March 19th, at the Waunakee Village Center, 333 S. Madison St., Waunakee, with visitation at 11a.m. followed by a service at noon and luncheon and sharing to follow.

Donations may be made in Dan's memory for his dear friend, John Jaeckel, to The ALS Association (Wisconsin Chapter), 3333 North Mayfair Road, Suite 104, Wauwatosa, WI 53222.

"Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was."


Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI