2009/04/17:We all will miss you, Midge!
MIDGE MILLER, a lifelong peace activist, former Democratic lawmaker, and co-founder of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, passed away Friday at age 86. Midge (holding the "It's Time for Peace" sign) was a founder of WNPJ in 1991, along with former State Rep. Frank Boyle, Superior, giving the peace sign, State Sen. Fred Risser, and Nan Cheney, with "War Is Not The Answer" sign. Midge was being honored for a WNPJ Lifetime Achievement Award at this event in 2004. Among her achievements was sponsorship of a nuclear weapons freeze campaign which passed in a statewide referendum in 1982.
It was a great honor to have worked with Midge and she will be greatly missed. Read John Nichols's Capital Times column. A tribute by Stuart Levitan on Isthmus Daily Page. Paul Soglin's blog. A memorial event is planned for Mothers Day, May 10, at 4 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, Wisconsin Ave. Madison.
Bill Christofferson, WNPJ co-chair
Campaign Communications
2937 S Superior
Milwaukee WI 53207
414/486-9651 fax 414/486-9652
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Fred Brancel of Monona writes:
Condolences to the Leeper-Miller family. We have just read with much appreciation the fine article in today's State Journal: a fitting tribute to your very exceptional mother. I believe that you, Dave, and others know that your mother was a close friend and role-model for my late-wife, Joyce Ecklund. She was widowed with five children and became the step-mother of four, with seven of the nine being sons. We have cherished the friendship and example of your mother and family since we first met in the '60s. My fond memories are cause for thanksgiving and I trust that yours will provide comfort and strength and continued 'direction' down the right-path.
Gratefully, with esteem and affection,
Fred, for Mary Ann, too
PS It seems appropriate that Jason compiled/wrote the article since he and his extended family are also close and admired friends, a source of inspiration like that of the Leeper-Miller family.
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Nan Cheney writes:
(2004 - at the time of the Lifetime Achievement Awards through WNPJ) - “It’s a special pleasure to be honored with Midge Miller, who has gotten me into more trouble than I can even remember and has supported me in almost all of the trouble we’ve caused.
I was especially delighted to hear about the lifetime achievement award -- thinking I could now truly retire to boxes of chocolates and my feather boa while reading my back issues of the Progressive Magazine. But Midge is ten years older than I am and has not even slowed down. Looks like the feather boa will not make it out of storage.”
And today, Nan writes: As a member of the WNPJ Board her presence and counsel were so important in our early years. She ( and her husband Ed) never missed a Fall Assembly -- Midge often as a speaker or Mistress of Ceremony.
Midge never did give up and was vitally active right up until the time she died. She even left hopes and dreams for us to carry out when she was gone. We’ll have to work double time.
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