Ronald "Ron" James Miller, 86, Green Bay, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He was born May 27, 1938, in Green Bay to Austin and Marie Antoinette (Henkelmann) Miller.

Ron went to Green Bay West High School. He graduated in 1956. During his time in high school, he was active in football, basketball, and track. He played for Green Bay American Legion Baseball team and in 1955 and 1956 he was selected to the Silver Sluggers All-Star Team as the pitcher. After high school he went on to Indiana University on a football scholarship as a center, kicker, and tight end. The same year he started college he broke his wrist ending his career as a baseball pitcher. In 1961 Ron graduated with a bachelor's degree in business. He was a member of the Dickens Boys and I-MEN. Ron was a member of the ROTC through Indiana University where he reached the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He later joined the Green Bay American Legion Post. On December 31, 1976, he married the love of his life Connie Hurd at the First Christian Church in Green Bay.

After college, Ron was drafted to play with the Philadelphia Eagles and then ended up playing with the Hamilton Tiger Cats a team based in Canada. He returned to Indiana University to coach football eventually transitioning to coach at Brebeuf Jesuit High School where he led them to two undefeated championships. Ron moved back to Wisconsin and began coaching at Premontre as the head coach of their football team. He was their coach when they won the 1970 State Championship. Later, he would be inducted into the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame as a Legend Coach for his coaching of the 1970 state championship team. Ron's former high school football coach hired Ron to be the offensive coordinator at West High. During his time coaching at West, they won four conference titles in a row. He moved on to coach at Bayport High School. In 2008 he was proudly inducted into the Wisconsin Coaches Hall of Fame. Ron officially retired in 2010. He loved football. Most of Ron's life he was playing and if he wasn't playing, he was coaching. For over 50 years he was involved with football and whenever he was playing, he remained #85. Ron was a Director at the Bart Starr Summer Camp and a professional football scout with BLESTO, for the Pittsburg Steelers.

Even with his successful football career Ron loved baseball and enjoyed being an umpire for teams in the Green Bay and Kewaunee area. When he wasn't playing or coaching Ron managed his business that he opened in 1976 called S.W.A.T. (Specialty Work And Trades). He loved working in his shop with his tools where he was able to build and fix anything. Ron enjoyed snowblowing and caring for his lawn and was always happy to help his neighbors. He was happiest bringing joy to others and could always be seen with a smile on his face. Ron had a sense of humor and was never not having fun. His joy for life radiated into everything he did and through his entire life. Ron was a master storyteller and had many, many stories, always full of lots of laughs. He was selfless and caring. He would frequently check in on his loved ones and was a dedicated father and grandfather. Ron would attend all of their sporting events and activities. He was a lifelong Packer fan who proudly attended the Ice Bowl and was an avid Indiana Hoosier fan too.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie; children, Kurt Miller, Kristen (John) Auer, Kimberly (Mark) Bodden, Katrina Miller; grandchildren, Miranda Miller, Riley Miller, Kaitlyn (Sam) Windle, Kelli Auer, Brady Baker, Makenna Baker, Ty (Paige) Bodden, Mandy (Zach) Woelfel; great-grandchildren, William, Dottie, Leora, Eliana; siblings, Maxine (Ted) Burns, Sharon (Bob) Ritter, Steve (MaryAnne) Miller; sister-in-law, Charlotte Blair; dogs, Molly May, Crew; nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Marie; in-laws, Garland and Hilda Hurd; nephew, David Blair; brother-in-law, Lyle Blair; great-grandson, Elijah.

Friends and family will gather at Nicolet Memorial Park, 2770 Bay Settlement Rd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 12; The Celebration of Life will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Nicolet Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com. For those that will be in attendance, we ask that you wear your favorite color, in honor of Ron.

Ron's family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jensen and his team at AseraCare especially Amanda and Tammy.