Obituary of Harold A. Miller
Harold A. Miller passed away peacefully at his home in Shorewood, Illinois, on March 18, 2025. Harold was born on a small farm near Greenwood, Wisconsin, on August 6, 1932. He graduated from Greenwood Public Schools as class president and valedictorian in 1950. He then entered Wisconsin State College at Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Harold enlisted in the army in December 1951 at the height of the Korean conflict. He completed Military Police Basic and Leadership School before entering the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School. He earned a commission as a second lieutenant in February 1953.
The Korean Conflict ended while he was in transfer to the Far Eastern Command. After two years of active duty, he then continued his civilian education. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wisconsin State College in 1956. He completed his Master of Science Degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, in 1957. He also completed extensive graduate work at Northern Illinois University.
Harold accepted a teaching position in the Joliet Township High Schools in 1957 and remained there until his retirement as interim superintendent in 1993. He held positions as teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. His position prior to retirement in 1993 was interim superintendent.
During his educational career, Harold was active as a member and officer in various local, state, and national professional organizations. He followed a concurrent career with the Army National Guard, completing numerous military schools, including Command and General Staff College. During his service in the Army National Guard, his assignments included command of the 2nd Battalion, 129th Infantry, headquartered at the time in Joliet. He was promoted to Brigadier General in October 1984 and served as Commander, Illinois State Area Command, until his retirement in October 1989.
His awards and recognitions include a Knapp Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and several Illinois medals. He is recognized in the Hall of Fame of the United States Army Field Artillery Officers School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Harold also served on the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. He served as president, secretary, and treasurer. He also served as a member of the Joliet Police Pension Board.
Harold enjoyed his retirement with his wife, Nancy, at their residence in Shorewood, Illinois. They traveled extensively and visited over 80 nations on all of the continents. Many of the trips involved renting a car, and often it included their children, neighbors, military friends, or fellow teachers and students. Harold was always the driver. Later travel involved river boat trips in Europe. The plan was always “travel while you are healthy.”
Harold was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Zula Miller. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy; daughter, Pamela of Milpitas, California; two sons, Harlan of Springfield, Virginia, and Gary of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Blake, Owen, Kyle, Zachary, and Ella.
Funeral Services and inurnment for Harold A. Miller were held privately by the family at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, with full Military Honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
Memorials made in his name to Crime Stoppers of Will County will be appreciated.
For more information please call Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at wwwfredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
