Crystal E. Miller, age 83 years, formerly of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, passed away Saturday June 19th 2021 at her Port Washington, Wisconsin residence with loved ones at her side.
She was born in Elkhorn Wisconsin on December 13, 1937 to Carl and Elsie Ilsenburg Klebe. She grew up in Elkhorn and attended the local schools. She was united in marriage to Don P. Miller on October 30, 1955 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. They moved around for a while before settling in Wisconsin to raise a family.
After Don’s retirement they moved to Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas and made many friends. Crystal joined the Friends of Horseshoe Bend Animals and helped rescue animals and enjoyed the human and canine friends she made. She was also very active at the Faith Presbyterian Church in Horseshoe Bend and liked to make chocolate cupcakes for the church functions.
Crystal enjoyed traveling with her husband Don, and they spent many days camping, sightseeing and enjoying life together. She also enjoyed reading and doing puzzles to pass the time away. Don preceded her in death March 29, 2019. She decided to return to Wisconsin to be closer to family.
She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Brunhart and husband Dave of Newburg, Wisconsin, Lisa Vida and husband David of Wabeno, Wisconsin and Teri Miller of Horseshoe Bend; sons, Neil Miller and wife Margaret of Eagle, Wisconsin and Karl Miller and wife Denise of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. She is further survived by grandchildren, Christopher O’flanagan, John O’flanagan and wife Lisa O’flanagan, Michelle O’flanagan, Michael Vida and wife Carrie, Tracy Barilani and husband Mike, Levi Ziehr and wife Emily, Tim Ziehr, Alyce Paegelow and husband Christopher, Abigal Miller, Jessica Olver and husband Jerad and Jacquline Simplot and husband Benjamin; 17 great grandchildren; sister Marlene Norton of Placerville, California, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her Husband Don, infant son, Neil Miller; parents, Carl and Elsie Klebe.
A memorial gathering has been held in Wisconsin.
I am saddened to learn of Chris’ death. She and I were best friends from middle school until she married and moved away with her family. We were inseparable, dressing alike, staying at each other’s houses for sleep overs, putting on makeup and of course getting into trouble occasionally! We played a telephone game that almost got us in trouble but my father saved our telephones as he knew someone in the phone company . I saw Chris once when she was living back in Elkhorn. I drove down from Madison where I lived and we spent the day reminiscing.Even though our grownup lives separated us, she always remained in my heart as my best friend.
Thank you Dawn for all you did for mom, yes that was one of her favorite songs. All the grandkids received a copy – thanks to you for taking the time & effort during your shift to make the copy for her to sign at Lincoln Village.
Thank you, the Crystal Miller family
MY SISTER
1. A best friend for life
2. Player of dress up
3. Teller of stories
4. Keeper of secrets
5. A gift to the heart
RIP Little Sis
My heart goes out to you all. Your mom was a little Gem of a lady. She got into our hearts so fast. We all miss her. I’ll never forget that moment she told me her favorite song IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN, and she hadn’t heard it in along time and neither did I so I took out my phone and played it for her and she started to sing it, then said I wish I could have a copy and I did it. When she said she wanted to write something to you all I jumped at it. It was an honor to be one of the caregivers that cared for your mom.
She will have a piece of her in our hearts. You all are in our thoughts and prayers