Ralph A Milliman Jr.

Ralph A. Milliman Jr., 72 of Oregon Illinois, passed away comfortably on Sunday November 17, 2024. Known to all as “Butch”, battled a long struggle of cancer but was surrounding by his family in his last moments.

Butch was one of seven children born to Ralph and Vera Milliman on the 9th of October in 1952.  All siblings grew up in Oregon and graduated from Oregon High school; Lyle, Lyford, Eula, Ralph Jr., Charlene, Robert, and Millie.

Butch lived in Mt. Morris, Joliet, and Marseilles but Oregon was always home and his residence at the time of his passing. Married the last several months of attending High School and before 1983 had four children; Dale, Jay, Michelle, and Andrea. Around twenty years later, Butch remarried and welcomed two more children Richard and Rachel.

Butch did have several career avenues however was a semi-truck driver most of his life. The companies he ran loads for were DeFreez (Byron, IL), Staley (Leaf River, IL) and B & D Trucking as an owner operator. To pass the time behind the wheel Butch would always listen to “The Rest of The Story” on the AM radio presented by host, Paul Harvey.

Butch has always been a family man and hard working. He spent most of his time away from work camping, boating, grilling out and fishing with family. Butch enjoyed sharing what he knew and often involving his children with his interests or hobbies. Later in life, he enjoyed golfing, relaxing drinking a few beers during football games or taking his classic cars for a cruse. Butch was never shy to share his favorite FORD built tough vehicles with the Mustang being the most eye catching.

Butch requested that there would be no services held and will be cremated. Butch will be missed and his family encourages those whom knew him to join us to share where his ashes were spread and stories to reminisce in the late Spring of 2025. To be announced at a later date.

Butch is survived by his 5 children: Jay (Connie) Milliman of Oregon, IL; Michelle Milliman of Oregon, IL; Andrea (Jerry) Mahnesmith of Rockford, IL; Ricky Milliman of Marseilles, IL and Rachel Milliman of Marseilles, IL. Survived also by 8 grandchildren: Dale, Kelsey, Jacob Milliman; Lindsey Milliman; Jozlyn, Addison, Hailey Mahnesmith; and Malachi Abushanab; One great-grandchild Jayden.

Butch was preceded in death by both his parents, brother Robert (“Bob”), and infant son Dale.

The family gives special thanks to his loving girl-friend, Finch Funeral Home, and Ogle County Hospice.