Larry G. Miller

Surrounded by his family, Larry G.Miller, of German Valley, ended his journey on Earth on May 3, 2026, with complications from a brain bleed. He had a life well-lived.

He and Kay (Yeagle) Miller were married January 10, 1970 and celebrated 56 years together. Surviving are his loving family, wife Kay; daughter Colleen; and granddaughter Danica Presli Fong, whom he was most proud of. He affectionately called her “Princess” and was her biggest fan. She was the apple of his eye and he could not boast enough about her. She coined him Grandpa “M” and the name stuck forever. He wore a baseball cap with the logo for Merschman Seeds, featuring a giant letter M; he was affectionately called “M” from hence forward. He is survived by good neighbors Norman and Eunice Miller and many special cousins; preceded in death by parents Herman and Esther Miller, and treasured cousin Tom Miller.

Larry attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and his career spanned over 40 years. He worked in the engineering department at Honeywell MicroSwitch and continued with Rockford firm (which changed ownership/names) Rockford Mechanics, division of Borg Warner, Rockford Powertrain, and GKN of Rockford. He received a U.S. patent and foreign patent for Drive Train For An Articulated Vehicle, and also created a self-lubricating universal joint with his ingenuity. After his “8 to 5” job, he “changed hats” and farmed the family farm. It was his passion. If you couldn’t find him at home, he was over at the farm, or “the shop” as he called it.

He was a charter member of the German Valley Lions Club, helping with German Valley Days celebration as kiddie tractor pull chairman, assisting with parades, and often performing with local singing ensembles. He also performed at German Valley PTO plays in the 1980s, where he acted in stage shows along with fellow PTO members. He loved to sing and was involved with Highland Chorale singers and church choir. During the Vietnam War era, he was a US Army Reserve member and would never miss singing God Bless America and the National Anthem.

Larry also called himself a “hobby farmer”; he enjoyed attending Stephenson County Antique Engine Club events, Ag-tique Days, Forreston FFA Toy Show, and having coffee with local farming friends.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 9, 2026 at “The Barn”, hosted by Dean and Carla Yeagle, 8722 Shadyview Road, Dakota IL at 11am with luncheon to follow; Pastor Nora Johnson officiating. Private interment at Sunset Acres, Orangeville.