Obituaries

Kevin S. Miller, age 63, of rural Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 1962, Kevin developed a love for farming at an early age. In 1972, he began building his vision of a generational family farm by milking his parents, Ed and Eileen Miller’s, second herd at Whispering Pines. Over the next 53 years, Kevin expanded and refined that dream with unwavering dedication.

On October 6, 1984, Kevin married the love of his life, Mary Rath. Together they shared nearly 41 years of marriage built on loyalty, determination, and deep friendship, a partnership that became the foundation of their family.

Kevin’s passion for Farmall and International tractors is reflected in his vast collection, fondly known as “Papa’s Tractors” by his grandchildren: Isla, Gentry, Halle, Joanna, and Mya.

Known for his good stories, tireless work ethic, and playful nicknames, Kevin was the heart and anchor of his family. He instilled in his children—Andrew and Lynsey (Johns) Miller, Alan and Leah (Burns) Miller, Brian Miller and Hailee Litche, and Madeline (Miller) and Justin Kennedy—the values of compassion, service, laughter, and the belief that pursuing one’s passion holds more worth than simply chasing a salary. 

His parents, Ed and Eileen (DeWitt) Miller and sister, Lynette (Miller) and David Livingston, were able to see Kevin hand down these things from generation to generation. 

Kevin will be laid to rest at Millard’s Prairie Cemetery beside his infant brother, Michael and sister, Kim Miller, surrounded by the people and the land he cherished. His soul now rests with his Heavenly Father, the Creator of all things, while his legacy continues in the lives of those who loved him.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Kris Stauffacher officiating.  A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9^th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church and on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting with arrangements.

Robert J. Hora, age 91 years, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Emplify by Gundersen Hospital in Hillsboro, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 23, 1933 in Hillsboro, the son of Joe and Bessie (Holak) Hora and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1951.  Bob then enlisted in the U. S. Army and received basic training at Fort Ord, California.  He served during the Korean War at the 38^th parallel.

Robert was united in marriage to Velma Stekel on June 29, 1960 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mount Tabor and they recently celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

Bob began working with his father at Hora Implement in Hillsboro.  He eventually took over the management of the shop and continued to operate until the present, doing repairs and selling products.  Bob also restored several Farmall Tractors.  He appreciated his loyal customers and usually the conversations about sports or the Packers draft picks would go on at length. 

Over the years he served as Quartermaster for Hillsboro VFW Post 8262 for 35 years and was honored to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2017.

Even though he had workaholic ways, Bob never missed the performances of any school activities his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in.  He also enjoyed their yearly family Brewers trips, the record-breaking Easter egg coloring, New Year’s Eve Chinese buffet, Pizza Ranch birthday parties and Father’s Day mini golf.

In his younger days, Bob enjoyed bowling and became an avid sports fan. He attended Badger football games and faithfully watched the Brewers and Packers.  

Survivors include his wife, Velma; children, John (Bobbi Jo) Hora, Diane (Mike) Stockwell, Matt (Erin) Hora and Tom (Lisa) Hora; grandchildren, Brittany (Shawn) Kuester, Nick Hora (Jenna), Nate Hora, Jake (Shelly) Stockwell, Max (Kelsey) Stockwell, Grace Stockwell, Greg Hora, Andrew Hora, Allison Hora and Madelyn Hora; great grandchildren, Karson, Axton, and Eden Kuester, Sophia, Mallory, and Colby Stockwell and Vivian Stockwell; siblings, Evelyn Jindrick, Don (Jeanne) Hora, Ed (Donna) Hora and Rosemary (Leonard) Stanek, and in-laws Caroline Stekel, Jim Stekel, JoAnn and Bill Filler, Ellen and Jerry Stark, Rita Harris, Jerome Stekel, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, Paul Stekel, Paul Harris, and Richard Jindrick, and sister-in-law Jackie Stekel.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hillsboro, with Father Don Bauer officiating.  Burial with military rites will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro.  A time of visitation will be on Wednesday at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the Church on Thursday starting at 10 a.m.

The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com  

Delbert Billings, 88, of Oakdale, died peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home. On July 3, 1937, Delbert was born to Burdette and Clara (Martin) Billings in Green Forrest, Arkansas. He began working at the young age of 13 at a local grocery store in Topeka, Kansas. Delbert moved to Wisconsin in his early 20’s with his family to farm. On August 20, 1966, Delbert married the love of his life, Joyce Stayton, at Bethel Baptist Church in Camp Douglas. Joyce soon moved to the farm where they were able to raise their 5 children together. Outside of farming, Delbert worked at Camp Williams as a facility repairman and security until his retirement on March 31, 2000. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, woodworking, spending quality time and joking around with his brothers, and tinkering with his John Deer tractors. In his later years, Delbert enjoyed driving out on his Kubota and visiting with the Amish, and at times, picking them up alongside his son, Bart, as well as playing cards and marbles. He was a passionate motorcyclist who often rode with other church friends calling themselves Heaven’s Angels. Together with Joyce, they traveled across the United States to various places, some favorites being Colorado and Washington. Most recently, his favorite place became his chair, where he enjoyed spending time watching the Wheel of Fortune. Delbert’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren became the highlight of his life in his later years.  Delbert will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Delbert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; 5 children, Ronnie (Shelly) Stayton, Laura (Patrick) Wetley, Verna Gebhardt, Becky (Mark) Campobello, and Bart (Dawn) Billings; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marvin Billings, Dottie Frye, and Paul Billings; He is further survived by his several brothers and sisters in law, his church family, and many other dear friends, and family members.

Delbert is preceded in death by his parents, Burdette and Clara; grandchild, Kelly; siblings, Mary Heise, Mike Billings, Donna Billings, “Birdie” Billings, and Richard Billings, who he considered to be his best friend; and his several brothers and sisters in law.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Bethel Baptist Church, N9498 1^st Avenue, in Camp Douglas. Pastor Ian Fennell will officiate. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.