Christopher "Chris" Miller

Christopher "Chris" Miller, age 49, born on December 16, 1976, on the North Chicago Naval base in Illinois, passed away on July 17, 2026. Chris grew up in Waukegan, IL, later relocating to Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Those who knew Chris would define him by his charisma, his charm, his humor, and his infectious smile. He was always ready with a joke and loved to make people laugh. His presence, personality, and spirit lit up the room. He was also known as someone who would never sit still. His family and friends affectionately referred to him as “Crisco”- a blend of the words, “Where did Chris go?” He needed to move constantly. One of his favorite activities was riding his electric bike at the highest speed it could go, leading to a cycle of breaking and fixing it. He never minded though, because Chris also loved fixing things. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out how to make better. He had a pile of projects that his family would leave for him with the adage, “Dad will figure it out.” And he always did. From bikes, to cars, to t-shirts with stains, Dad always made it better.

On any given day, you could find him walking his dog Daisy and taking her to “dig” in the park, taking his senior dog Bella on a “carry” because she was too old to walk, but she still loved being outside in his arms, hand feeding his 23 year old Echo the Gecko, or dancing with his bird Clover to the Jackson 5.

Chris loved music. He played both the piano and the trumpet. During get-togethers, he would serenade his family with “Phantom of the Opera,” “Music of the Night,” and “For Elise.”

As once described as a wild and crazy dude in his youth, Chris grew into a calm soul who loved spending time with and taking care of his family. Tuesdays were spent shopping with Momma Cat, on days he wasn’t playing “Dewoody Farmer” in Cat’s backyard taking care of the land he loved with his momma.

He was an excellent cook and enjoyed making family dinners for his kids, Alexis and Jay, who would send random texts in need of home cooked meals. They would put in a request, and he would make it happen. No one cooked better than Dad.

Most of all, he took care of his wife, Jennifer. He met her at her car every evening to carry up all of her things from her day, he packed her lunch every night, chopped up her carrots real tiny so she could eat her veggies without hurting her jaw, and tucked her into bed each night with a kiss and a “Good night, Lovey.”

Chris was love in action and in service. He gave his love with no expectation of return.

Words do not exist to express how much he will be missed on this side of heaven. His love was a love without end.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Miller (Muellemann); children, Alexis Miller and Jay Ballard; mother, Catherine Allen; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Larry and Robin Muellemann; brother-in-law, Daniel (Loryn) Muellemann; sister-in-law, Tina Klag; aunts, Pamela (John) Eidmann, Rebecca (Gary) Harling, Tracy Wruk, and Betty Ward; uncle, Michael Corder; nieces, Krystin (Allen) Diamond, Caitlin Allen, and Lalita Klag; nephews, Stevie Miller, Zacary Muellemann, Jaxson Muellemann, Keoni Hersh, Corey Johansen, and Jeff Allen; cousins, Michelle Barry, Jenny Sheridan, Grace (Eidmann) Swartzendruber, Josiah Eidmann, Anna Eidmann, Patrick Wruk, and Amy Wruk.

Chris is preceded in death by his fathers, Jim Miller and Jeff Allen; his brothers, Jonathan Miller, William Allen, and Matthew Allen; and his maternal grandmother, Gloria Corder.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. Gathering begins at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 4:30 p.m.