from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Ernest J. Miller Jr., 65, died Aug. 6, 2016.

He was born on May 3, 1951, to Ernest and Bernita (Eustice) Miller. He graduated from Verona High School in 1969 and attended Madison Area Technical College.

As a joint venture, he founded the social group DIOB — “Danger Is Our Business.” He worked at Premier Co-op for a number of years and then for a short time at Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance.

Mr. Miller felt honored and forever grateful to be a two-time kidney transplant recipient. He was extremely appreciative of his sisters for their organ donations and to everyone who supported him throughout his health issues, allowing him to enjoy a longer, high-quality life.

In retirement, he continued to pursue his passion for training and racing Standardbreds. His lifelong passion was harness racing, and he will be remembered for his positive attitude, great sense of humor, and generosity.

Mr. Miller and Heidi Garfoot dated for many years and married on Oct. 26, 2001, in San Diego, Calif.

His motto in life was “All my stories may not be true, but they were all good stories.” He always managed to light up a room with his witty personality, the sparkle in his eye, and a smile on his face. He never once missed an opportunity to tell a great story.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Heidi; daughter, Amanda M. Lee; siblings, Cheri Timpel, Sandi (Tom) Robertson, Peg (Bob) Koch, Barb (Bob) McGinnis, Joanne (Tom) Eveland, Bruce (Karen) and Donna (Ray) Hanna; nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, and all friends whom he considered part of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Ken Timpel.

A day of celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday (Aug. 21) with a final lap around the track at Iowa County Fairgrounds grandstand (weather permitting). Visitation will be from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday at Quality Inn, 1345 Business Park Road, Mineral Point, Wis. A tribute service and blanket ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Quality Inn. A luncheon will follow at Quality Inn. Private burial will be at Mifflin Cemetery. The Ellestad Camacho Funeral Home, 500 N. 8th St., Mt. Horeb, Wis., is serving the family.

The family would like to thank Mr. Miller’s support system including family, friends, doctors and nurses, UW Transplant Unit, and Mt. Horeb EMS.