Mt. Morris, IL, Dirk P. Miller, age 55, passed away in Swedish American Hospital on Monday April 25, 2022. Dirk was born on April 30, 1966 in Freeport, IL; the son of Rodney & Linda (Jewett) Miller. He graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1984.
Dirk is survived by his parents: Rodney & Linda Miller, Mt. Morris, IL; children: Garrett Miller, Norfolk, VA and Audra Miller, Milwaukee, WI; brother: Mike (Connie) Miller, Oregon, IL.
Our father wore many hats. To some he was a high school jock, a young love, a son, a friend, a brother, a co-worker, or someone to enjoy a drink with. A good listener, a storyteller, a hard worker who always put his family and friends first. Someone who would give the shirt off his back, and offer to help, and who never gave up. To me and Garrett, he was our father, a very dedicated one at that. I knew him as papa, and Garrett knew him as Diggler. He always knew the answer, and if he didn’t, we were none the wiser. He was our leader, our best friend, our rock. When I was little, I remember waking up from nightmares and crawling into bed with him, where he made me feel safe. Thankfully he had a bed large enough because sometimes Garrett would beat me to the punch. We were incredibly close, the three of us. He not only taught us how to throw and catch a ball, play basketball, soccer, volleyball, and everything in between, but he coached us. He never wanted to miss a moment. He never missed a dance tournament, never missed a basketball or football game, just to sit in the bleachers and watch me dance/cheer on the sidelines. He would wake up early and follow the school bus into Chicago so he could watch me dance for all of three minutes, cheering me on every step of the way.
Most people who knew our dad knew how much he loved his yard and his garden. Being in the yard and tending the garden was how he relaxed. A garden is so much more than just vegetables or flowers though. It takes work, dedication, patience, and commitment, and our father had all of it. He taught each of us how to plant flowers and vegetables, and we got to see first-hand what a little hard work could bring. This hard work continued behind closed doors. For me, he is the reason I enjoyed school so much. He would make me write down my spelling words ten times over again and quiz me until I got them right. He would sit at the table with me while I completed my homework and make sure that I was not only learning, but that I was succeeding. Even after getting into law school in Wisconsin, he walked through the school with me to ‘map it out’ and see if it’s where I wanted to go, because I did not want to do it alone. While he may not get to see me graduate law school next month, I know that he is proud, and cheering me on from above.
He wanted to remember. He kept everything Garrett and I ever created or ever wrote. Everything from ‘I love you dad’ notes I would put in his lunch box, to stick drawings on the back of scratch paper we would scribble on. He was the most present, dedicated, loving, and sentimental father. We remember waking up on Christmas mornings to the smell of cinnamon French toast, or a fresh quiche. We couldn’t open presents until he had the camcorder charged and ready, and I remember sitting there waiting for him; at the time I thought it was a little much. He wanted to record every moment, to capture the happiness of our family. Looking back now, because of him, we have those videos and memories today.
Garrett and my dad had a relationship like no other. They were more like brothers if you ask me. They would routinely wrestle, call each other names, and break furniture all because of a simple side eye or snide comment…something to the effect of ‘what’s up bitch?’ They had a relationship only they understood, no one ever came between them. My dad was his wingman, drinking buddy, shoulder to cry on, and always gave him the best advice. He kept him in check, held him accountable, and shared a love with him no one will ever match.
He taught us not only patience, but perseverance. Life is not always rainbows and sunshine, and our father made sure to always remind us to stay focused, keep our heads down, and work. One foot after the other is all you can do sometimes. We will forever love him, carry on his memories, his traditions, morals, and values. We can almost hear him tell us to ‘get movin.’ Well dad, as you would say, ‘I reckon we oughta.’
Until we meet again,
Bubba, and Sissypot
A celebration of Dirk’s life will be held on Saturday April 30, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. in the Mt. Morris Moose Lodge, Mt. Morris, IL.
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