William “Bill” Russell Miller passed away after a 6-week battle with cancer on December 29, 2025, at the age of 71, at Gundersen Health System, surrounded by his family and friends.
Bill was born on September 27, 1954, to Warren “Bud” and Nina Miller. He spent his entire life in Rushford, growing up alongside his two younger brothers, Bob and Dave. One of his fondest childhood memories was camping at Money Creek with the Culhanes. When Bill was a junior in high school, he started dating his future wife and forever partner, Joyce (Laumb). Joyce was in eighth grade at the time, and Bill picked her up every day after school, a testament to the devotion that defined the life they would build.
They were married in 1975 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past June. Their love was quiet and constant, rooted in partnership, patience, and unconditional commitment. Joyce showed her love in steady, caring ways, bringing Bill his coffee and breakfast each morning and always making sure he was taken care of. Bill showed his love just as faithfully, helping Joyce with whatever she needed, even when it earned an eye roll or two.
Bill graduated from high school in 1973 and went on to attend Winona VoTech for electronics. He spent many years working for a cable company in Winona and 20 years at TRW before retiring in 2018.
Family was at the center of Bill’s world. He and Joyce raised four children: Mark, Michael, and twins Amanda and Alyssa. Over the years, he acquired many nicknames like “Snapper,” “Billy,” and “Willy Dude,” but “Dad” was his favorite. He shared his love of hunting with his sons, teaching them patience and the art of turning a quiet hunt into a story that grew bigger each time it was told. His daughters held a special place in his heart; they were his girls, and he made sure everyone knew it. He had four grandchildren: Ashlyn, Jake, Evie and Jonah, and was the kind of grandpa who always had a chocolate stash hidden in his room that the grandkids knew exactly how to find.
Bill had many favorite places, like happy hour at the American Legion with his Legion family and friends, and spending time at the Miller farm, but one special place was unmatched: Bass Camp. Many summer weekends were spent boating on the Mississippi and spending time in his trailer, which holds too many stories and memories to count. At Bass Camp, time slowed down, and Bill was exactly where he was happiest: surrounded by the people he loved, doing nothing in particular and everything that mattered.
Bill had a laugh you never forgot, a distinct cackle that could fill a room, and a quick wit filled with unforgettable one-liners. He loved to fish and, in 1986, started a fishing competition with his buddies called Lip Masters, a tradition that still carries on every April. Bill was quirky and gadget-loving, invested in his police scanners, and always paid close attention to his cameras around the house, keeping a watchful eye on the cats and critters who unknowingly starred in his daily entertainment.
Bill was deeply kind and perpetually welcoming, making friends from every walk of life. Whether it was two-beer Tuesdays with the Gang, snowmobiling with the Goofers, hanging out at Jed’s Garage, listening to Jimmy Buffett with the Parrotheads, or camping at Jellystone. Bill never failed to make a friend, share a laugh, and turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.
Above all, Bill was strong in spirit. Even as his health declined, he never lost his humor, his sharp mind, or his ability to make others smile. He met the end of his life the same way he lived it: with resilience, humor and heart.
Bill is survived by his wife Joyce, his children Mark, Michael (Naomi), Amanda, and Alyssa; his grandchildren Ashlyn, Jake, Evie and Jonah; his brothers Bob and Dave, many Laumb brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Warren (Bud) and Nina Miller, his parents-in-law, George and Bernice Laumb, several Laumb brothers and sisters-in-law, and his good buddy Tom. Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family. Please visit www.hofffuneralhome to leave an online condolence.
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