Kathleen R. Miller, lovingly known to many as Kathie, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois. She was born on April 4, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Eli and Alma (Munson) Severson. She married Duane Miller on January 14, 1956, at The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Iowa. They remained married for 70 years. Kathie lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her church, and the simple joys that made a house into a home.

Kathleen was a homemaker in the fullest and most meaningful sense of the word. She poured her care, creativity, and energy into the lives of those around her. She loved to sew and made clothes for her family, giving not only beautiful handmade things, but also the lasting comfort of being cared for so thoughtfully. She also enjoyed quilting, gardening, and tending to her rose bushes, finding beauty in both careful handiwork and the growing things she nurtured.

One of Kathleen’s greatest joys was time spent with her granddaughter. She treasured being by her side, traveling wherever she went and faithfully attending her horse shows, volleyball games, and swim meets. Those moments reflected the deep love and steady presence that defined Kathleen’s life. In her later years, she found delight in going to auctions, searching for antiques, and refinishing and selling them, bringing new life to old treasures with the same patience and eye for detail that she carried into so much of what she did.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Kathleen volunteered at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church as often as she could and was a longtime parishioner there. She also taught at the church’s Vacation Bible School, sharing her time and heart with younger generations. She and Duane also took a church youth group to Houston, a reflection of their shared commitment to service and fellowship.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Duane Miller; her son, Steven (Laurra) Miller; her daughter, Denise Miller; her granddaughter, Hannah Klint; her brothers, Eugene Severson and Orvis (Judy) Severson. She is preceded by her son, Terry Miller; her infant sister; her daughter-in-law, Gloria Miller; and her sister-in-law, Janice Severson.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, and again on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL, 61108.