Wally Ray Miller

life story

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Vocalist, Teacher, Boat Captain, Innkeeper, Santa Claus, Goofball, Car Enthusiast, and All-around GREAT GUY!

From a short courtship to a long life of laughter and adventures with family and friends, Wally and Sheri shared 50 years of true love!

About Wally

Wally Ray Miller, age 88, died on April 21, 2026, at his home in Plymouth, MN. (He made fun of the words “passed away”.) He was a man full of life who looked at the world with a sense of humor!

Wally was born in Dexter, Iowa, raised in MacAllen, Texas, and then started his journey back up north. He attended Wichita State College and then transferred to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he received a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Degree. While there he sang opera (tenor) and performed and toured with the college choir. In 1959 he married Ann Schaffert. He taught at Southeast Poke High School for six years. In 1965 they moved to St. Cloud, MN with their two sons, Jeff, and Nic. Both boys became musicians like their parents. Jeff presently plays flute with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. Wally faced a great sadness this past March when Nic, a violinist and song writer, died of cancer at age 62.

Wally taught at Elk River High School from the fall of 1965 until the spring of 1992. He loved teaching! He loved his students and they returned that love by producing some of the best high school music ever!

In 1976 Wally married Sharon (Sheri) and her 2-year-old daughter, Angie. They lived in Champlin, MN for several years. In 1986, he and Sheri converted a historic home in Hudson, WI into a Bed & Breakfast they named the Jefferson Day House. The next six years, with the help of Wally’s mom, Marjorie, they ran the inn and commuted to their teaching jobs.

In 1992 they retired from teaching and had only one job. This gave them time to start their traveling adventures with friends. Also, in 1992 Wally became 1 of 2 Santas at the Mall of America. The next two seasons he was the only Santa there.

In 1996 they moved to Kerrville, TX with Wally’s mom. Wally became the Santa Claus at North Star Mall in San Antonio and continued there for eight more seasons. While in Kerrville, Wally started singing the blues and playing guitar. He sometimes sang with a band on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Before moving to Kerrville, they bought an old houseboat which became their summer home on the St. Croix River for ten years. While in Hudson, Wally formed a blues band which performed at Marina picnics.

After Wally’s mom died, they moved to Palm Springs, CA, where they were unsuccessful realtors but “oh the fun they had”. Wally continued to sing any chance he could get. When Angie started having babies in 2009, Wally and Sheri moved back to MN. His grandchildren became a big part of his life.

Wally is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Marjorie Miller and his son, Nicolas Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Meyer Miller; son, Jeffrey Miller and wife, Ilona Miller; Nic’s partner, Janet Gumm; daughter, Angela Redlinger, and grandchildren, Reese and Rae Redlinger.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, an open house Celebration of Life will be held from 11 am to 3 pm at the St Croix Marina Clubhouse in Hudson, WI.

Wally believed in many charities from St. Judes to Wounded Warriors to Red Cross to SPLC to Second Harvest. Please contribute to your choice in his honor.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

June 27, 2026

St. Croix Marina 16 1st St, Hudson, WI 54016, USA

Parking is available in between the park and marina clubhouse, the public boat launch parking lot, and street parking around downtown Hudson.

Please join us anytime between 11am - 3pm to share memories of Wally and celebrate his life!

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services