Kurt Duane Miller

Kurt Duane Miller, age 65, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Revere Court of Crystal Lake. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. A resident of Algonquin, Kurt was born the second of four children to Duane and Kathryne Miller (nee Barnhart) on August 14, 1955 in Chicago Heights, IL. On May 3, 1986 he married the love of his life and best friend, Debbie White at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in-law, Joanne and Red White.

Kurt is survived by his wife Debbie; his son, Jeff (Nicole) Miller; daughter, Andi (Beau) Sanchez; grandchildren, Jasper and Barrett; sisters, Debbie (Paul) Woodward, Marianne (James) Sipka, and Janice Whitney; sister-in-law, Denise Lindquist; and many nieces and nephews.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Kurt began his career in retail, opening Kmart stores across the Midwestern United States spending six weeks hiring, fixturing, and stocking each store in preparation for grand openings, and later in various management positions. He eventually made his way over to the millwork industry, selling windows and doors, where he remained until his retirement in 2008.

Kurt’s favorite pastime, when he wasn’t working around the house or out in the yard, included riding his bike, whether with his father-in-law, his family, or by himself. Many trips would begin on an early Sunday morning and end up in Lake-in-the-Hills airport where he enjoyed watching the planes take off and land. He always had a passion for the skies, and at one point was an amateur pilot himself.

His greatest life accomplishment was his children. He spend countless hours cheering them on as a member of the “track parents group”, always making an effort to leave work early to watch them compete. When his kids took up musical instruments, Kurt was reinvigorated in his trumpet playing, sometimes even playing alongside them in duets. Favorite memories include “nights with dad” when mom had to work and dinners became silly and relaxed with his children mimicking his every move.

Kurt will be dearly missed by all who loved him and will be forever remembered, admired, and respected for always giving 110%.

A memorial visitation for Kurt will be held from 1pm until 3pm on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kurt’s honor to either the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org) or Vitas Hospice at www.vitas.com