Harold George Miller

Harold George Miller, 80, of Harvard, Illinois passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was born February 22, 1944 in Harvard to Edwin & Bertha (Voller) Miller.  On June 20, 1964 he married the love of his life of 59 years, Shirley Thurnau in Sharon, Wisconsin.

Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He would drop everything in his busy life to spend quality time with them. He was also a devoted, loving Husband, Dad and Grandpa, never missing his grandchildren’s events.

Harold was an avid hunter and enjoyed the wild life that was all around his home. He enjoyed watching the deer, turkey and birds.

Harold had a lifelong love for automobiles, especially the 1957 Chevy. He loved to talk about and share stories of his days of racing and tractor pulling. He continued to restore his classic cars into his retirement years. His stunning show car, “It’s Hairy” was even highlighted in Hot Rod Magazine. Harold loved to share his profound knowledge of automobiles with his children and grandchildren. He took such joy and pride in sharing that knowledge with them.  

Harold worked for Motor Service in Harvard for many years. In1980 he and his wife opened their own business, Miller Auto & Transmission Repair.  Harold enjoyed getting to know his customers throughout the years at his shop. He made so many lifelong friends that started there on Route 14.  

Harold is survived by his wife Shirley and three sons, Steven (Marcia) Miller of Harvard, IL, Jeffrey (Genevieve) Miller of Fontana, WI and Gregory (Amy Rollings) Miller of Cambridge, MN. He had 10 grandchildren Dane (Brynn), Tate (Kylee), Max (Breanna), Cole (Aliyah) Miller, Brody, Claire and Olive Miller, Broc and Brayden Miller.  One great-grandson Beck Steven Miller and a baby boy on the way in December 2024. His siblings, Russell (Millie) Miller of Burlington, WI, David (Pat Gunderson) Miller of Sharon, WI, Sister-in-law Judy Miller of Janesville, WI and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Chance Miller and siblings Kenneth (Dorothy) Miller, Leonard Miller and Marcella (Joel) Gordon.

Visitation will be held at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033 on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2:00-5:00pm and a funeral service on Monday, June 3, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1601 Garfield Road., Harvard, IL 60033 at 11:00am. Burial to immediately follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Harvard, Illinois. 

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

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