miller

Norman L. Miller, RIP

by Tony Palmeri

Norman L. Miller of Oshkosh, one of the city's great citizens, died last Sunday. I met Norm in 1996, when we both attended the inaugural meeting of "Citizens of Representative Democracy" (CORD), a grassroots mix of concerned taxpayers that wanted to reform the structure of city government via a ballot referendum. Like everyone in the group, Norm was convinced that Oshkosh needed a strong mayor with executive powers and a council elected by district. Norm was around in 1956 when Oshkosh adopted the city manager/seven at-large member council form of government. He had been involved in numerous attempts to change it, but each time the proponents of change were dramatically outspent by the chamber of commerce forces controlling the manager/council system. They were also attacked in the local press (itself chamber of commerce controlled) as "against progress," "two percenters," and a variety of other derogatory labels.

My main contact with Norm Miller was at the CORD meetings, where I came to admire his spirit. Norm had a booming, raspy voice that commanded attention. He had a low tolerance for people who would waste time with long winded comments, and he would let us know. The 1996 referendum failed, but it received about 44% of the vote and left CORD encouraged about the prospects of bringing it back two years later. We did bring it back, and Norm was once again there at the front lines, gathering signatures, writing letters, and getting the word out as best he could. In 1998 I had more of an opportunity to interact with Norm's wonderful wife of 64 years, Gert. My own mother's name is Gertrude, so that provided me with an immediate connection. Gert's one of the most genuinely decent individuals I have ever met; her quiet yet strong demeanor complemented Norm's outspokenness perfectly. The two of them epitomized the hard working, God-fearing, no-nonsense, loyal to friends and family culture that is the south side of Oshkosh. I'll always look fondly on the CORD experience for allowing me an opportunity to work with such warm and caring people.

After the 1998 referendum (which also failed, unfortunately), I only spoke with the Millers a few times. Norm called me a few years ago to ask if I wanted some of his suits and jackets that he had stopped wearing years ago, but would fit me perfectly. We had a great conversation about a variety of things, and I told him I would come over eventually to try on the suits, but alas I never got around to it.

On November 2, 2004 the Oshkosh voters passed a referendum question providing for an elected mayor. I'm thrilled that the measure passed before Norm died so he had a chance to hear about it. True, the elected mayor will not have executive power, but s/he will have a bully pulpit backed by the popular vote and I think that's a big part of what Norm wanted all along. I also think he would have been thrilled to see that Paul Esslinger, a member of the Common Council who was a staunch opponent of the the mayoral referendums of 1996 and 1998, was the driving force behind the 2004 referendum and in fact wanted a mayor with executive power. Paul will run for mayor in 2005 and I think if elected he stands a good chance of bringing Norm Miller citizenship values into city hall.

Did I agree with Norm Miller on all or most issues? Of course not. But we shared a love of small-d democracy and we shared a belief in the power of average, everyday people to control their community. Somehow we have to find a way to get people who share that love and that belief to work together more effectively. Not only the future of Oshkosh, but the future of the world demands it.

Thank you Norm, for being a local Weapon of Mass Democracy.

Norman L. Miller, 91 Oshkosh died at Mercy Medical Center on Sunday November 7, 2004. He was born on November 25, 1912 in Boardman, WI to the late Fred and Louise (Otto) Miller. Later the family moved to Oshkosh. On September 2, 1940 he married Gertrude Schaefer in Sherwood, WI.
Norman was a sales Director for Graf Beverages of Milwaukee. He attended Oshkosh High School and in 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Navy stationed at Great Lakes.

Norman was very interested in community and politics. He was a delegate on the original Conservation Commission and also served on two former governor’s Task Force Committees, regarding conservation and health care. He served as a member of the Winnebago County Fair Association for several terms, chaired the Oshkosh Board of Appeals Zoning Board and was a volunteer driver for Winnebago County Social Services for more than 10 years. Norm enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gun collecting. He was a life member of Black Wolf Rifle Club, Ripon Rifle & Pistol Club, Springbrook Sportsmen’s Club, and a life member of the Red Arrow- 32nd division, and a member of the National Rifle Association, and a member of the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70. Since 1984 he was president of Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association, a non-profit organization.

Norm recalled some of the highlights of his life meeting J.F. Kennedy and Jackie just prior to being elected president of the United States; had a meeting with Art Linkletter, TV personality, and met Commander Whitehead, of England of the British Royal Navy.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude; a niece, Carol Tyers; a nephew, Larry Miller and many special friends he met through the years in the various organizations he was associated with. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Harold and a sister, Marion Buettner. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

Funeral service will be held at First English Lutheran Church on Thursday November 11, 2004 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Chuck Fluegel officiating. Visitation will be at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. to the time of service. Entombment will be at Lake View Memorial Park.

“I shall pass through this world once, if therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now—for I shall not pass this way again.”

A special thank you to the staff at Mercy Medical Center for their tender loving care, while Norman was there.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes

100 Lake Pointe Dr.

(920) 232-5485