Lorene Katherin Miller

Lorene Katherin Miller, 100, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Martin Health Center in Bloomington. She was born on August 27, 1922 in Flanagan, IL, the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Obert) Tesch. She married Louis “Louie” J. Miller on July 29, 1940, in St. Louis, and they made their home in Bloomington. Lorene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1949 where she faithfully served the church and school in numerous roles.

Lorene, known as the queen of our family, built a family with Louie on the foundation of their faith in God and their love for one another. Their legacy produced four generations that walk in the footprints of their faith. The light of God’s love in them was far reaching as they were blessed with opportunities to travel and to host countless people in their home. Lorene was small in stature but large in spirit. Her prayers have changed lives. Lorene’s hospitality, hugs, laughter, homemade cookies, fudge, and peanut brittle are legendary.

Lorene was a skilled homemaker, raising five children. Later in life, she worked 11 years at Pines Dress Shop in Eastland Mall, and after joined Louie in managing Miller Cabinet Shop. In her retirement, she hosted women’s Bible study groups in her home, enjoyed traveling, and spending time with family. Lorene and Louie moved to Westminster Village in 2005 where she made many cherished friends over the years. She was known for her Halloween costumes and won the annual contest multiple times, including 2022 as the Energizer Bunny!

Lorene is survived by daughter-in-law Pauline Miller of Birmingham, AL; daughter Nancy (Barry) Kolb of Branson, MO; daughter Betty (Chuck) Stinnett of Lodi, CA; son Dale Miller of Madison, WI; daughter Judy (Ron) Glenn of Bloomington; 17 grandchildren: Eric (Sheryl) Kolb, Perry (Jaylene) Miller, Terri Kolb, Chuck Stinnett Jr., Patti Miller-Brownfield, Cori (Josh) Perdue, Rocky Stinnett, Sara (Jerry) Hagen, Wendy (Christian) Ledesma, Lora Glenn, and Brendon (Rachel) Glenn; plus 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorene is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Louie; son Norman Miller; daughter-in-law Susan Miller; parents Henry and Minnie (Obert) Tesch; siblings Pearl, Ernest, Roy, Wilbur, Robert, and Magdalena; grandson-in-law Bruce Brownfield; and great-granddaughter Paige Stinnett.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and service at 11:30 a.m.  The family will also host a memorial service honoring Lorene that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Westminster Village.

True to her giving nature, Lorene donated her body to science. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Songs & Smiles (songsandsmiles.com/lorene-miller).