Harley James Miner

Harley J. Miner, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away quietly at the age of 93 on Saturday, January 31, 2015, after living a very full life. He leaves his “sweetheart” Gerry, (nee Majeskie) wife of 68 years, whom he met in1940. He is also survived by his three children, Miki (Chris) Sobye, Marni (Mike) Czarapata, and Jim (Tricia) Miner, his seven grandchildren, Todd (Michelle) Christianson, Donna (Brent) Landowski, Sara (Peter) Holewinski, Teri Holzinger, Erin (Ryan) Van Hammond, Alex Miner and Lindsay Miner, and five great grandchildren, Adeline Rivero, Parker and Logan Holewinski, and Camryn and Ayana Miner, plus many relatives and friends who will miss his crazy sense of fun, dry wit and humor, patient and caring attitude and lessons in bike riding, car driving, swimming, golf and saving money. He was a lifelong resident of Waukesha, son of Herbert J. Miner and Margaret (Fishback) Miner Morris, and stepmother, Leona (Fuder) Miner. After his 1939 graduation from Waukesha High School, he started at the “Motor Works” working as a “Stock chaser” until in 1942 he entered the US Army as a member of the 23rd Infantry "Americal" Division 246th Field Artillery and served until 1945, seeing action in the south pacific including Bougainville and Guadalcanal. In 1946, he and Gerry were married and embarked on their wonderful life together. After 39+ years of “hard labor” at Waukesha Motor/Dresser Industries, he retired to his “estate” on Oakdale Drive. There he could be found selling raspberries from the garden and running rummage sales in summer, or going to their vacation condo up in Sherwood WI and spending hours on the 18 hole golf course. (He particularly enjoyed the 19th hole). In cold weather he liked duck hunting up at Sherwood or sitting at the kitchen table on Oakdale working on his cross word puzzles, or being in his recliner watching Gunsmoke & Bonaza. He was also an avid bowler for many years and loved the monthly family card parties. In 2006 he wrote his autobiography, “Memoirs of an Overnight Sensation” which showcased his wit, humor and love of family and life, and has been read and enjoyed by many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, including the nurses and aids who were all treated to his charm and humor at Cecelia Place in Pewaukee where he and Gerry lived during the last 7 months of his life. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 4th at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue Waukesha WI 53186, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with prayer service at 6:00pm. On Thursday, February 5th will include prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 AM followed by a procession to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2400 State Road 59 for the funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Cryptside services with full military honors will follow the Mass at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mausoleum. The luncheon will be held at the Lofts at Cedar Ridge. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory, & Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information please call 262-547-4035. Visit www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.