Sixth Generation

290. Charlene Joan GERKE was born on 25 August 1939.⁵⁹ She died on 16 July 2024 at the age of 84 in Mather, Kingston Township, Juneau County, WI.⁵⁹ Obituary Notes: "Charlene Joan Miller, age 84, of Mather Wi passed into glory on July 16, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Charlene was born August 25, 1939, to Gilbert and Sophronia (Johnson) Gerke. In 1957 Charlene married the love of her life, Otto Miller Jr. They celebrated 65 plus years together and were blessed with two daughters, Cindy and Monica.

Char’s love for family and friends was immeasurable. She loved family time, playing games, reading her bible and traveling near and far. Her heart was to serve people in need, and she worked as an in-home caregiver for over 30 years.

She is survived by daughters Cindy Roder, Monica (Robert) Ritacco; siblings, Jean Kenney, Donald Gerke, Rose Anderson, Bonnie McClaskey, Joyce Bell; Grandchildren, Tammy Roder, Kelly Roder, Daniel (April) Roder, Michael (Jennifer) Ritacco, Gina (Benjamin) Eskola; Great grandchildren, Alexia, Juniper, Ashford, & Geneva Ritacco, Abigail Eskola, Ella & Ava Roder. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her spouse Otto (Jr.); parents Gilbert & Sophronia (Johnson) Gerke; son-in-law Douglas A. Roder, brothers; Gaylord, Delbert, David (Jimmy), Edward.

We will miss her, however, knowing her faith was strong we find comfort that she is with Jesus and all whom passed before her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Ritacco and Pastor Daren DeFord will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com."

Charlene Joan GERKE and Otto Roger MILLER Jr. were married in 1957.^120,554 Otto Roger MILLER Jr. was born on 16 March 1936.⁵⁵⁴ He died on 29 December 2022 at the age of 86.⁵⁵⁴ Obituary Notes: "Otto Roger Miller Jr., age 86 of Mather Wisconsin passed into glory on December 29, 2022.

Otto (also lovingly known as Jr.) was born March 16, 1936, to Otto & Emma (Ziese) Miller. In 1957 Otto married the love of his life, Charlene Gerke. They celebrated 65 plus years together and were blessed with two daughters, Cindy & Monica.

Otto worked for 46 years as a mechanical engineer in the steel industry. He loved spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, spending time in Dillon Montana, watching old western movies and playing train with his wife and sister-in-law Jean Kenney. Otto always had a special place in his heart for all his pets.

He is survived by his wife Charlene; daughters Cindy Roder, Monica (Robert) Ritacco; brother Ronald (Julie) Miller; sister-in-law Patricia Miller; Grandchildren Tammy Roder, Kelly Roder, Daniel (April) Roder, Michael (Jennifer) Ritacco, Gina (Benjamin) Eskola; Great grandchildren, Ella and Ava Roder, Alexia, Juniper, Ashford, and Geneva Ritacco. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents Otto & Emma (Ziese) Miller, son-in-law Douglas A. Roder, brother Milfred Miller, sister Gloria (Miller) Lies.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 2, 2023, 1:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Ritacco and Pastor Daren DeFord will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery."

Charlene Joan GERKE and Otto Roger MILLER Jr. had the following children: