Mr. Bernard Miller Jr.

Miller, Bernard Jr., age 74, of Waterford, passed away on Wednesday May 25, 2022. Bernie was born on August 19, 1947, the son of the late Bernard Sr. and June (nee. Zatarski) Miller. He lived in Muskego for some time and then Milwaukee. On April 28, 1968, he married Arlene Fregin. The couple lived in the Tichigan Lake area since the late 70’s. He was employed at Babcock and Wilcox for 20 years and then with Super Steel Products for 16 years before retiring due to injury. Bernie had several nicknames, including Butch, Butchie, and the Bern Dog. He was proud of his time in Tichigan and was active for many years in the Tichigan Volunteer Fire Company where he was a Lieutenant, Rescue Diver, Jaws of Life Engineer, and he chaired the Fireman’s Picnic for a couple of years. Known to his friends as the “Mayor of Tichigan,” Butchie enjoyed the local tavern events including pool leagues, dart ball and bowling. He was a member of Tichigan’s famed Dead Ringers Horseshoe Club. Bernie was an avid sportsman, heading up north to deer camp each season. He also hunted small game with beloved German Shorthair Pointer “Yogi” in the 80’s. A tremendous dog lover, Bernie would always have two or three dogs and a cat. Bernie had a passion for fishing as well, spending time on Lake Tichigan or the Fox River for the annual White Bass Run and Walleye Run. Recently, Bernie spent time chatting with his longtime friend John Zelechowski, sharing stories about the big one that got away, or the hunting trips that they had shared.
After Bernard’s disability and mobility issues forced him to retire, he continued to enjoy drinking beer and sit by the wood burning stove in the winter, and outdoor fireplace in the summer. Due to health concerns he had to give up beer, and switched his focus to cigars and watching westerns, old and new, which he did until the end. Sadly, missed by his dear family and all who knew him in the Tichigan Lake area.
Survived by sons, Bob (Kim) Miller, and Mike Miller; granddaughter, MacKenzie Miller, brothers, Kenny (Pam) Miller, and Russ (Sissy) Miller; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Survived further by his fur babies, his cat “Kitty Al,” and his dog “Dash.”
Preceded in death by his parents and loving wife Arlene.
Memorial Gathering on Wednesday June 1, 2022, at Mealy Funeral Home from 4:00 - 5:45 PM, with Service beginning at 6:00 PM.
Family would like to thank the Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance over the years. A heartfelt “thank you” to the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and staff at Aurora Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant where Bernie spent his final days for the kind, compassionate, and impressive care they provided for him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either the “Tichigan Volunteer Fire Company,” “Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Department,” or to any Local Animal Shelter, in Bernie’s memory.
Mealy Funeral Home
225 West Main Street
Waterford, Wisconsin
262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com