Robert Putnam Miller

Robert Putnam Miller, 80, of Kansasville, Wi. and Pensacola, Fl. passed away on June 16, 2025 of cancer at his summer home on Eagle Lake, Wi.

A native of Racine, Wi., he was the son of Robert Hugh and Cathryn Bruton Miller, former owners of Miller’s Flowers, located in downtown Racine. Bob was a 1963 graduate of St. John’s Military Academy, Delafield, Wi. and the University of Wisconsin-Madison ,where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

After graduation, Bob went on to honorably serve in the Army as an officer in the 14th Combat Engineering Battalion, deploying to Vietnam. There he built roads and bridges, conducted minesweeping detail, and performed various other duties in support of combat operations in and around the Quang Tri Province. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, and other service medals while overseas. He later published a book,”Warrior, Wayfarer”, which is a fictionalized account based on his Vietnam experience. Bob also contributed two technical articles to Army Magazine.

His 37 year career with John Deere Construction Equipment Co., Moline, Il., began shortly after his military discharge. He served as a manager for Deere in several capacities in the US and Japan. His last position before his retirement in 2006 was as the manager of two training and demonstration sites located in Moline, Il. and Sacaton, Az.

A lover of classical music, Bob actively supported the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony’s summer season at Ravinia, and the Racine Symphony Orchestra. He also was an avid reader of military and political history and had a prodigious knowledge of investments.

Bob loved social gatherings, especially his Friday night get togethers at Pan Yack Park in Wisconsin with his friends and neighbors, and in Pensacola at the Perdido Bay Golf Club with his Florida friends. An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed the fellowship of his many golfing buddies during and after rounds of golf.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Mary Kay; a son Robert Andrew Miller ( Erin) Grandson Wesley Robert Miller; Sisters Hilary Miller Krejcha ( Mark) and Wendy Miller ( Gary Wood), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved dog, Skye.

Following a private family service in Racine, a military burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, near his winter home of 20 years.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to The Gary Sinese Foundation, which supports our military and first responders( garysinesefoundation.org) or the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (pensacolasymphony.com)donate.