Lester J. Miller

Retired police officer Lester J. Miller, 81, passed away on June 20, 2021 in his home following a short illness.

Born in 1940, Les was raised in Oak Lawn by his parents Sylvester and Barbara (Prokopec) Miller. After graduation from Oak Lawn Community High School, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service before joining the Army, serving in Stuttgart, Germany. After his stint in the armed forces, Les returned home and joined the Oak Lawn Police Department. In the course of his 28 years on the force, Les rose to the rank of Sergeant, received multiple awards, and trained dozens of Oak Lawn’s finest, including the agency’s first female and first Black police officers. After a brief fling with retirement, he joined the police department in nearby Hometown and spent several more years on patrol. 

An avid hunter and fisherman, Les spent much of his free time pursuing these passions with like-minded friends. He was a lifetime member and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Village Sportsman’s Club, and an enthusiastic leader and Trip Chairman for Fish Tales, a local fishing cult and community engagement organization. Les was also a self-taught taxidermist - acquiring the skill as a teenager through a taxidermy-by-mail course - and used this hobby to preserve treasured trophies for himself and others.

 Les is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Jeanette; sons Les (Cherie) Miller and Brett (Carrie) Miller; grandchildren Alex, Isabelle, Charlie, Olivia, Chloe, and Amelia; and sister Barb (Jerry) Siroky. He is predeceased by his son Bobby; brother Lee Miller; and dogs Rusty, Queenie, Duchess, Baron, Shadow, Misty, Kayla, and Heidi, who are eagerly awaiting his arrival with treats.

Funeral Tuesday June 29th- 8:45 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St in Oak Lawn to St. Gerald Church for Mass at 9:30 am.

Inurnment private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Visitation Monday June 28th from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, those who remember him fondly are encouraged to donate to the wildlife or pet charity of their choice.