David J. Miller

David J. "Grubby" Miller

March 12, 1949 - June 27, 2025

David J. Miller, better known as Grubby Miller, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the age of 76 in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born on March 12, 1949 in Algoma Wisconsin to Otis and Viola (Haire) Miller.

He made his home in Weyauwega where he raised a family, fixing just about everything he could get his hands on. He spent his working years behind the wheel of a semi as an independent owner-operator. He owned the "station" for many years on the corner of Main Street and Lakeshore Drive where he would work on his projects and help others with repairs. He threw epic parties (he coined them "Slop Fiestas") at the station during Horse and Buggy Days "back when those days were fun".

He was nothing short of a local legend. Whether it was in his hometown of West Bend or later around Weyauwega, he was well-known and hard to forget. His loud cars, big personality, sarcastic wit, and disregard for most authority made him a sort of hometown celebrity. If you didn't know him personally, chances are you'd at least heard of him. He loved a good conversation and would go out of his way to help someone in need. His kids were the most important thing to him, and he would tell anyone who would listen that he was proud of his kids. He loved his grandkids, dogs, and his machines. He was happy living a life he built on his own terms.

He was a longtime member of the Ozaukee Guzzlers Motorcycle Club, where he found community, friendship, and more than a few stories worth repeating. He had a passion for drag racing, collector cars, motorcycles, riding horses, and playing the drums. He enjoyed "jam sessions" with his family. He saw his favorite band "Here Come the Mummies" more times than we can count. He also enjoyed playing pool with his family at local establishments, and played sand volleyball too - in his workboots.

He taught all of his kids many things including to drive standard transmissions. If they had a question about any equipment he would show them how to start and drive that as well. He would explain in great length and detail what he was fixing and how he was fixing it when it came to cars and equipment. He enjoyed attending many car shows, each driving one of his vehicles to attend with him. He went to the Iola Car Show every year, only missing one year (2020) since 1978.

In his retirement years, he was proud to be a teacher's aide at Waupaca High School for the automotive restoration class. The family joke was that he spent more time in high school with that class than he ever did when he actually went to high school. He enjoyed helping and inspiring those kids to foster a love for older muscle cars and classic trucks. After they graduated, some of his former students would continue to drop by his place to show dad their latest projects. He thought that was "really neat" and enjoyed their visits.

He was also known for his serious sweet tooth - desserts were never safe around him. It was not unusual for him to buy more bakery items than anything else when at the grocery store. When a pie was delivered, the question was how hungry was he? If he wasn't that hungry he ate one piece (the whole pie) and if he was hungry he would eat two pieces (the whole pie, cut in half). Coffee and Milk were a must with every meal.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau for the care and compassion shown in his final days.

He is survived by his children: Michelle (Jeff) Benz, West Bloomfield, Jason Miller, Weyauwega, Zac Miller, Weyauwega, David Jr., Fremont, and Travis Miller (fiance Jasmine), Waupaca; and by his grandchildren Nathan Benz, Fremont, Ryanne Benz (fiance Greg), Algoma. He is also survived by his sister Sonja Grawvunder, Plymouth, many other relatives and friends, his dog Tootsie, and his cat Stinky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Viola, and his brother James Miller.

Grubby's favorite saying was, "I might be wrong, but I doubt it."

In keeping with his final wishes, there will be no formal funeral. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 27th at his residence from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. We will have food, beverages, and music. Bring your car, bike, tractor, and stories. We know Dad made an impression on many people and all are welcome.