Obituary
George Edward Miles Jr.
George Edward Miles Jr., 88, of La Crosse passed away peacefully at 3:30 AM on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 2, 2023 at the American Legion Post # 336, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI. The celebration will begin at 12:00 PM and go until 4:00 PM, with military honors at 12:30 PM.
George was a wise loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. George was born to George Edward Miles Sr. and Pheobe Elizabeth Ellifson on September 26th, 1934. His home town of Black River Falls, WI is where he grew up and played sports and was honored as All Conference in Football.
After graduating from Black River Falls High School, George enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and served as a radioman aboard the USS Dash MSO-428, a 172 ft long wooden Ocean Minesweeper off the coast of Korea. During his time in the service he spent time in San Diego, CA where he attended San Diego State University. After his enlistment he moved to La Crosse and served in the Naval Reserves and married wife, Patricia Johnson “Pat”. Together for 66 years, they had 3 children: George “Jay”, Linda and Michael.
Before George and Pat had children they enjoyed their motor boat. George enjoyed water skiing, while Pat enjoyed wildly driving the boat and trying to ditch him.
George was a man ahead of his time with respect to being a good husband and a great father. He lived and taught us kids generosity, honesty, kindness, and the importance of having a good sense of humor, through his example. His family and friends have many fond memories, of sitting around the table eating delicious meals, sharing stories and laughing at bad jokes. Dad was always there for us kids, but he also let us make our own mistakes and prepared us well to learn from them. If Dad was guilty of any excessive behavior, it would have been that he put us kids ahead of himself to much.
George had stong principles, and was very loyal to friends and family. He was intelligent and practical, and had a great sense of humor. He was very down to earth and a great role model to his kids.
He was a Packers, Bucks, Brewers and Badger fan, but he was a bigger fan of his children’s participation in sports and other activities. So much so, that he choose a career that granted him the flexibility to attend all of their event. Dad and Mom had great friends and it was fun for us kids to be around them. Dad and Mom gave us kids a great childhood.
George has held a diverse collection of jobs throughout his life. In high school he worked part-time with his brother Bud for an undertaker. After serving in the Navy he worked as a milkman, and bartender. While working at Trane Company he attended Western Wisconsin Technical Institute(WWTI) and became a draftsman and then went to work for the Cooler Company where he took more classes in accounting at WWTI and moved into management, and with his friend Rich Maringer started the Cooler Company Credit Union. He worked for Badger Corrugating Company, and then worked many years for the Wisconsin Credit Union League as a Regional Consultant, which could be described as a financial jack of all trades who traveled Wisconsin to serve and assist credit unions throughout the state. Next he became the president of Community Credit Union for many years, and finally finished out his career working as vice-president of Heritage Federal Credit Union.
In retirement George and Pat became snowbirds and would migrate from Wisconsin to Arizona in the winter and back to Wisconsin for spring, summer, and fall. This allowed them to spend time with their daughter Linda, son-in-law Mike and grand kids Nick, Zakk, and Miles. Son’s Mike and Jay took turns helping with the driving on the enjoyable road trips there and back. After multiple years, in which they bought, fixed up and sold two different manufactured homes in Arizona, the road trips ended.
George was a gentle man, but he was also strong. He battled multiple myeloma for decades, which very few people knew. After his beloved wife Pat passed away a year ago, the battle with multiple myeloma finally came to an end. He spent his final weeks in the company of family and friends, free of pain, recalling good times, and still finding the joy of humor that was a big part of who George Miles was.
George is Survived by his Sons, George Miles III “Jay” and Michael Miles; Daughter, Linda Montgomery (Michael); Grandsons, Nick Culpitt (Jessica Koenen), Zachary Montgomery, Miles Montgomery (Jocelyne), and Michael Miles; Granddaughter, Madison Miles; Great Granddaughters, Jordynn Culpitt, Keira Culpitt, Adelyn Montgomery; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Cousins Jay, Linda and Mike
I’m very sorry that your Dad has passed but believe he is at peace and pain free and has joined your Mom in heaven. I’ll miss his crazy jokes especially the ones referring to Norwegians and “Johnson’s” ?. We always knew he’d be good for a few laughs at any gathering. Peace and hugs. Dawny
Thanks Dawn
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Boy that man could tell the jokes!! His love for his beautiful wife was always present and he sure did love his family ❤️.
He will be missed.
Tammy Becker
Thanks Tammy
I met George when I worked with the United Credit Union. He was very helpful in assisting us with procedures, but always so much fun to have in his visits.
As my mother used to say about very special people, “Don’t pray for him, pray to him.”
God bless, George!
Thanks Pat
My sincere sympathy to the family. I worked at La Crosse Cooler Company with both your dad and mom WAY back in the mid 1950’s. I remember that both my husband, Ron and I would see George & Pat and the boys quite often at Hungry Pedlar. Donna Mae
Thanks Donna
Sorry to read that George has passed. Without doubt he was a strong supporter of Central athletics and all of his kids, in or out of athletics. He has had a long and productive life! RIP George!
Thanks Gary
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. As he and your mother were good friends of my parents, it pains me to see another part of that group go. Know that I have fond memories of both of them.
Thanks Rhonda
Miles family,
Your father was one of the nicest person that I have ever met. Your dad and mom were such an awesome couple and the most hospitable people I ever met!
Your dads sense of humor was spectacular and he always made you feel comfortable and welcomed!
I’m very sorry for your loss but his legacy will live on through out many generations!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Don Kube
Thanks Don
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Your Mom was one of my very first clients and thought her I got to know your father. He was indeed full of love, laughter and life.
Thanks Dawn
Dear Linda, Jay, and Mike,
Thoughts and prayers for you all in the passing of your wonderful father. Both your parents were so much fun and so gracious to me for years. You dad was a wonderful, funny, quick witted, inteligient man that had such a passion for making everyone happy especially your mother. He
was so generous and I will always be greatful for all the years of rides to sporting events both of your parents making me feel like family and welcoming me into their home so much. My deepest condolences and sympathy for all of you during this time.
Thanks Renay
Dear Jay, Mike, and Linda,
Condolences from Kelley and I with the passing of your father. I’ll always remember the gatherings our families had together at your house on the south side and the family picnics at Houska Park back in the 60’s when we were all just kids. I have this memory of your Dad singing ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ while the Beatles played in the back ground at one gathering at your house. He had a great sense of humor. I’m proud to say your Dad and I were both Navy men who wanted to serve our country. Uncle George and Aunt Pat will always be in our memories.
Thanks David
I’m sorry to hear this. I had no idea that Pat has passed and now George. I moved away and not on social media. You all were my second family and my father and George are having breakfast on Sundays again. Words can’t express?. Oh the good time’s!! The George and John show! Never
forget the Chevy Chase motel and the van mishap ,LoL. Peace be with you all?