Richard “Milkman” Miller

Richard Miller, aka “Milkman” passed away on May 9th, 2021 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife Jennifer and best bud Leo by his side.
Rich was born on November 15th, 1969 in Hudson, WI. He was raised in Roberts, WI where he attended St. Croix Central Schools, graduating in the class of 1988. Rich continued his schooling at WITC in New Richmond WI in Agriculture Mechanics.
When Rich was 18 years old he began working as a milk hauler for Howard Phillips and quickly became Howard’s heir apparent. In the late 90’s Rich followed his dream of owning his own company and bought his baby, the Yellow milk truck known as “The Bird”. “The Bird”, along with Rich’s incredible work ethic and love of the business, spring boarded his independent start in the dairy business. Rich developed lasting customers and lifetime friendships during his almost 30 years of hauling milk and was playfully known as “Milkman”. Rich’s drivers, or “his Kids” as he affectionately addressed them, became his family. He was a boss, a friend, and a mentor to his staff and dear friends. There wasn’t anything Rich wouldn’t do for his drivers and his farmers. When Covid-19 hit the dairy industry and farms hard and the reality of dumping milk became a possibility for his friends and farmers, Rich jumped in to action serving as the ambassador to many hard working farmers. He was more than proud that his “farming family” never had to dump or waste milk during those uncertain times. Even in the event of his cancer and declining health, Rich never gave up. He was full speed ahead and gave every ounce of his declining energy to make those around him feel special.
The past month leading up to Rich’s passing was bitter sweet to say the least, as he knew his days were numbered there was one thing he knew he had to complete. On May 1st Rich joyously made his long time side kick and best friend Jennifer Heinbuch his wife! Rich and Jennifer’s love was infectious and will indefinitely live on in Jennifer’s heart and the hearts of all who hold call them friends!
When Rich wasn’t driving truck, working in the shop or calling an infamous “shop safety meeting”, he enjoyed driving around the region to tractor pulls, snowmobiling with friends in the Roberts Knight Riders Club and in the more recent years side by side riding and camping. Rich loved serving his community in any way he could often supporting the local Lions Club, FFA and 4-H groups. Although the world became darker Sunday May 9th Rich would want everyone to keep his memory shining brightly by making our community a better place!
Rich will forever hold a place in his heart for his beautiful wife Jennifer Miller, his favorite grandma Vi Miller, his family of drivers and many friends and community members who called him brother.
Rich was proceeded in death and warmly greeted by his late grandpa Stanley Miller.
A joint celebration of life for Rich and one of his best friends Nate “Schultzy” Schultz is on Saturday May 22, 2021 from 1pm-5pm at the Hammond Lions Club Tractor Pull Site, 1500 Ridgeway Street Hammond, Wisconsin. Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.