Edward A. "Big Ed" Miller, Sr., age 70, lost his valiant fight for life at his home, on Sunday, November 20, 2011. He suffered for many years with COPD. Ed was born on September 27, 1941, the eldest child of Aloysius and Margaret (Richardson) Miller. He lived his entire life in the Sauk Prairie area and worked in the family business, Miller's Gas & Appliance, later becoming co-owner with his brother. His later career also included selling cars. Ed's love of camping with his family took him across the country and later to selling RV's. Ed served as an M.P. officer in the U.S. Army. His creative nature included building dune buggies, rockets, RC planes, and birdhouses for family and friends. He was a firefighter for Sauk City and later Prairie du Sac. His love of recreational flying led him to involvement with the Sauk Prairie Airport, serving on the Sauk Prairie Airport board for many years, becoming President in 1993 and continuing to the present day. He was a proud member of the E.A.A.


Ed is survived by his loving and devoted wife, JoEllyn; four sons, Eddie Jr. (Veronica), Jeff (Julie), Rocky (Maureen) and Tony (Michelle); 8 grandchildren, MacKenzie and Chase, Kaitlyn and Kassandra, Zack and Bella, Sebastian and Milania; 3 brothers, Joe (Kathy), Tom, and Al (Laurie); 2 sisters, Trish (Rich) Kirner and Mary Jane (Dusty) Koch. He is further survived by JoEllyn's family in Illinois which include her parents, Tom and Joan Phistry (Ed's best friends), Tom Jr. (Connie), Sue (Rick) Bower, and Gramma Ethel Panozzo. Many caring relatives also survive him, including nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles, and cousins.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Kay, and infant daughter Kammy Kay, and sister-in-law, Lamar Miller.


A memorial service will be held at the RIVER ARTS CENTER at Sauk Prairie High School at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the River Arts Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.


Ed enjoyed life to the fullest with his family and friends. "Ed, you taught us the definition of COURAGE. You made us laugh everyday!" REMEMBER.......When Pigs Fly.