Christopher J. Miller

Christopher J. Miller, 55, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday April 4, 2023, at his home, from a rare, aggressive, and relentless form of pancreatic cancer.

A kind, fun-loving, and considerate man, Chris will forever be known for his ability to find a friend (or girlfriend) in any crowd… the guy you want to share the golf cart with on the course… the brother who will take the rap for your mistake… the co-worker who made the day fly by… the one you could trust with any secret… the guy who could play about any instrument or fix your car engine… and the lifelong hero to one tag-a-long little sister.

Chris was born on November 16, 1967, and was the only son and mother’s favorite for parents, John “Jack” Louis and Bobette (Strieter) Miller.

Chris is survived by his mother, Bobette Miller; siblings, Catherine (Scott) Saliwanchik and Carey (Brian) Garwood; niece and nephew, Amber MacDonald and Hunter Saliwanchik; plus dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends - incredible friends - who were truly extended brothers and sisters to Chris; and his heartbroken pups, Lucy and Lucky.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, who has imminent repair tasks waiting for him in heaven, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, who are no doubt reveling in his spectacular smile now. Numerous childhood pets who preceded him in death are also now getting ear scratches, including his adult pet dogs, Lou, Jordan, and Casey; and AJ the cat. Petey the Parakeet may not take the scratches, but he and the wild squirrel that Chris used to feed crumb cakes to are surely celebrating his arrival in Heaven as well.

Even in the trials of terrible and fast-moving illness, Chris remained positive and loving. He made jokes with doctors, nurses, and family. He continued to ask how everyone else was, and reveled in the texts, emails, or voicemails received from others.

Chris most recently worked with the LaPorte Park Department as a mechanic, but had worked for Garwood Orchards, Howmet, TRC Corporation, Salisbury Farms, and many others - collecting new best friends along the way! He loved golfing and watching sports, especially with his pets. A Purdue grad, he would be sad about the loss for Purdue. He would be texting friends with lots of Purdue images and… the Master’s golf pics! Chris was a baptized child of God and asked for communion the day he returned to University of Chicago, which he took by the toll road admission booth with his Pastor and his baby sister.

He will be missed beyond words and is loved by family and friends immensely. Even ex-girlfriends still love Chris!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

A time of visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

Following the service, the Cookout for Chris will be held at Silver Palace on State Street in LaPorte at 5:30 p.m., honoring his hopeful wishes for a long enough reprieve from the cancer to have a cookout with friends and family.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church Outreach Program at 102 G Street, LaPorte, IN 46350 and will be used along with any remaining estate funds towards medical costs and to honor Chris in a unique local way (a special golf or music program for kids, a splash pad for pets or a shelter pet assistance program).  Thank you to all of the friends and family who have donated financially or in time and materials working at his home, those who have been praying, and those who have given care through University of Chicago, Dunes Hospice, and as friends and family.  Chris was so appreciative and all of it helped to lighten his worries while carrying this burden.

Friends as Pall Bearers are welcome, 30 or more is fine…to help pass Chris from the vehicle to the viewing, so don’t be afraid to volunteer! Musicians to share a song or two at an open mic at the Cookout at Silver Palace are welcome. Text 219-363-8060 for info.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.