Emmeretta Miller

Emmeretta Miller, our sister, mother, aunt and friend died unexpectedly due to complications of COVID-19 at 2:20 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2020, at ThedaCare in Appleton. The unrelenting rain on Sept. 12 was symbolic of the tears and devastation felt by all upon news of her passing.

Emmeretta was born Oct. 24, 1956, to the late Leonard E. “Jack” and Glenore T. “Betty” (Boivin) Miller. Emmeretta was a graduate of Bowler High School and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Emmeretta’s major in college was physical education, which she took to Bowler High school and taught for 20 years.

She was not finished. When she retired from teaching, she went on to work for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe in its payroll department, where she managed staff until retirement. Along with her late husband, they owned and operated the convenience store in Neopit, Kenah Mecem. In her youth, she was the proud representative of Polaris snowmobiles.

Emmeretta, her late husband, Norbert Miller, their daughter, Dory, and family dog, Presley, lived both on the Stockbridge-Munsee and Menominee Indian Tribe reservations.

Emmeretta was a generous native soul, carrying on the traditions of hospitality, love, generosity and encouragement. To one loving nephew, she was called “Retta.” Family enjoyed her cooking lessons (bread, rolls baked in Grandma Leoris’s historic bread pans) and heritage recipes created with love. She was an avid QVC shopper; they’re going to miss her. She belonged to a food group on Facebook and loved her conversations with them.

One niece best described her important role in our family: “She taught us how to be strong, how to take care of others, how to cook and how to bring the family together.” Either by purpose or design, she became our family’s matriarch after our mother passed away.

Emmeretta is survived by her daughter, Dory Miller; her siblings, Linda (David) Boundy, of New York, Trilby Beauprey (Glen) McIntosh, of Shawano, John (Cindy) Miller, of Gresham, Terry (Debbie) Miller, of Bowler, and Mary (Wally) Miller, of Bowler. She is further survived by her pet dog, Presley. Nieces, nephews, aunts and uncle also share in her heritage.

Emmeretta was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Luke E. Beauprey III; sister, Jacqueline Miller; grandparents, Jack and Leoris Miller; and Julius and Geraldine Boivin.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

The family of Emmeretta would like to thank the emergency teams of Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe; the airlift personnel and “Roger” and staff of ThedaCare of Appleton. Your kindness and loving care will never be forgotten.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com