Edwin "Ed" Perry Miller's Obituary
Ed Miller was born on November 17, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Chesterton, Indiana. After graduating from Chesterton High School, he enrolled at Indiana University, taking the classes that appealed to him. An advisor nudged him to declare a major in philosophy—an uncharted destination that proved, in retrospect, perfectly suited to him. Following graduation, Ed turned his early knack for selling into a lifelong career, inspired by the days he earned his allowance selling produce door-to-door from his father’s garden.
Ed met his wife, Jeanne, at an art and craft show in Fremont, Nebraska; for both, it was love at first sight. They married in 1995 and spent 27 years traveling the Midwest in a motorhome, selling jewelry eight months each year at art festivals and craft shows. Winters were spent at their home in Swan Lake Village, recharging, restocking, and preparing for another season on the road. They permanently retired there in 2022, having enjoyed a career full of creativity, adventure, and love. Still, the road called once more last summer, and Ed and Jeanne took to their motorhome, visiting favorite places and reconnecting with family and friends during a joyful season of travel.
A man of the earth, Ed had a deep love for nature, animals, birds, and rocks. He enjoyed hunting in the Sand Hills of Nebraska and exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota for unique stones to polish. An avid bicyclist, he typically rode 18 miles a day—a practice he maintained until a few weeks before his passing.
Ed passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at Cape Coral Hospital in Florida, with a dear friend and his family around him and his loving wife, Jeanne, by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ruby Miller. He is survived by Jeanne, his wife of 30 years; his daughter, Kirsten Loch (Matt); his son, Matthew Miller (Natalya); five grandchildren, Avery, Porter, Sanibel, Genevieve, and John; his brother, Sam Miller (Chris); and his stepson, Preston Vertich. He is also celebrated by a large circle of friends in Swan Lake Village, who cherished his warmth and friendship.
A Celebration of Life for Edwin Perry Miller will be held on March 15, 2026 at 4pm at Swan Lake Village, 2400 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL with Pastor Mike Hancock presiding.
Cremation arrangements are by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.
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