Judy Cecelia Miller, 71, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023 surrounded by loved ones at her home in Kilkenny, MN after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be Thursday, September 7 at Le Center Funeral Home from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and beginning at 9:30 am Friday at the church. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, September 8 at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny, MN. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny, MN.

Judy was born April 22, 1952 to Richard and Mary (Cashin) Krenik in St. Peter, MN. She was raised on a farm just outside of Le Center, MN, where countless shenanigans took place and memories were made. Judy began working as an aide at Central Health Care the summer before her senior year and graduated from Le Center high school in 1970.

Through her brother Greg, Judy met a handsome fella from Kilkenny, MN and fell in love. Judy and Mike Miller were united in marriage on July 20, 1974 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Le Center and spent the next 49 years by each other’s side, facing life head on, growing their love and family while having plenty of fun along the way.
Before their own children were in school Judy ran a daycare out of their home. Once her boys were in school Judy didn’t let her amazing talents in the kitchen go to waste. She became a cook at Montgomery Elementary School where she fed the students with that unforgettable smile and was nicknamed “Cookie.” Judy remained at Montgomery Elementary School/TCU until her retirement in 2017.

Judy loved fiercely and lived for her grandkids. She enjoyed coffee, crossword puzzles, cards and just having a darn good time with her family and friends. Judy looked forward to their annual family vacation to northern Minnesota and was able to enjoy a bucket list family road trip to the Black Hills in August. Judy touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mike; children, Brad (Ashley) Miller of New Prague, MN and Brian (Alex) Miller of Kilkenny, MN; grandchildren; Wyatt, Beau, Jax, Brody, Morgan and Owen Miller; siblings, Emmett Krenik of Le Center, Mary Ann (Rick) Johnson of Waseca, MN, Elaine Krenik (Ken Carlson) of St. Anthony, MN, Greg (Karen) Krenik of Le Center, MN, Carol (Don) Mangan of Le Center, MN, Bob (Shelly) Krenik of Le Center, MN, Colleen (Rick) Wagner of Le Center, MN, Kevin (Ann) Krenik of Nevis, MN, Vernie (Cindy) Krenik of Le Center, MN and Gretchen (Ron) McCabe of Madison Lake, MN; several in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary Krenik; brother, Gene Krenik; her father-in-law, Clarence “Babe” Miller; and mother-in-law, Catherine Miller.

The family would like to thank Judy’s wonderful team of doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic Health System, Allina Clinics, and St. Croix Hospice for the incredible care she received over the last 16 months.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. On-line condolences may be left at www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.