Marilyn Y. Miller, age 91, of Sheboygan, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Aurora Sheboygan Medical Center. She was born in Tripp, South Dakota on September 13, 1934, to the late Chris and Della Hamberger Guthmiller.
She attended local schools in Tripp, South Dakota and graduated from Tripp High School in 1952. She was the lead saxophonist in the South Dakota High School State Band. This HS band performed across South Dakota throughout the summer. Marilyn then went to and graduated from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee. She acquired her nursing degree from Lakeland University and took additional courses at U.W. Sheboygan and Marquette University. Marilyn also took training in draperies and interior decorating at Lakeshore Technical College.
She was united in marriage to Elroy Miller at Immanuel Ev. Reformed Church in Milwaukee on August 31, 1957. Elroy preceded her in death in 2014. Marilyn was employed at Plymouth Hospital as an obstetrics nurse from 1957 to 1958, a general RN at St. Nicholas Hospital from 1958 to 1974, Heritage & WeCare Nursing Home from 1976 to 1978, and she was part-time LTC Nursing Instructor from 1975 to 1978. Marilyn was also an owner/operator of her own business, “Marilyn’s Custom Décor” from 1980 to 2009. Her many customers, both residential and commercial, were always satisfied with her meticulous work. She was one of the most skilled seamstresses/sewist/drapery maker in Wisconsin.
She was a member of Methodist, Reformed & U.C.C. Churches and was an adult Sunday school and Bible school teacher at Fountain Park United Methodist Church in Sheboygan. Marilyn was a Lakeland College Alumnus, and Deaconess Hospital Alumnus. Served as president of both the Wisconsin Czechs, and Ladies American Legion Auxiliary. Marilyn and her husband Elroy spent many years as leaders of the 4- Leaf-Clover 4H club in Sheboygan. Marilyn was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks fan. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, sewing doll clothing and stuffed animals, reading American history. For many years she was one of the most loyal listeners to the Saturday morning Jerry Schneider Polka show.
Survivors include her three children, Karen (Vern) Heidenreiter, of Sheboygan Falls, Karl (Joan) Miller, and Ken (Tammy) Miller, both of Sheboygan; nine grandchildren, Branden (Jessica) Bacon, of Zeeland, MI, Heather (special friend Jake) Dawson, of Sheboygan, Crystal (Andrew) Bruggink, of Sheboygan Falls, Victoria (Marcos) Cedeno, of South Milwaukee, Evan (Stef) Miller, of Sun Prairie, Kaitlin Miller (husband James Gallagher), of Memphis, TN, Courtney (Robert) Fairbanks-Olszanowski, of Sheboygan, Sarah (Trent) Keitel, of Howards Grove, and Matthew (fiancée Mackenzie) Miller, of Sheboygan; fifteen great grandchildren, and a great great-grandson. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends survive. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, and one brother.
A memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeland University in the Younger Family Campus Center, W3718 South Drive, Plymouth, WI 53073. Family and friends may gather at the campus center from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Marilyn will be taken home to Tripp, South Dakota for her burial in the family plot at Friedens Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name may be directed to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 812-Milwaukee.
A heart-felt thank-you is extended to Lindsey Aderman, her care and compassion for Marilyn led to her staying in her home as long as she did. Also to her neighbors Kyle and Camber for being so helpful, patient and understanding. The family also thanks the Hospital staff for their care and concern during her hospice stay. The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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