Duane Victor Miller

Duane Victor Miller, 81 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 29, 2024, in Englewood, Colorado. Born on April 17, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, Duane led a full and vibrant life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Duane is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Joanna Louise (Surber) Miller. Together they built a beautiful life and family, marrying on September 6, 1975, in Denver, Colorado. He was a beloved father to Brenda Jean Miller, Tammy May (Miller) Charbonneau, and her sons Michael and Thomas, and Glenn Victor Miller and his wife Rosario Miller. He was also a cherished grandfather to Alexzandria (and her son Sebastian), Kaylah, and Giovanna.

He was preceded in death by his dear daughter Sarah Louann Miller, his father Victor Leo Miller, his mother Bertha Adel (Brunkhardt) Brazelton, and step-father Norman Glen Brazelton.

Duane graduated from Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado, in 1961, and went on to serve his country with distinction in the U.S. Air Force, Strategic Air Command (S.A.C). He was honorably discharged as a decorated Staff Sergeant after eight years of service. One of his most cherished assignments was in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a military police instructor at Kadena Air Force Base. It was during his time in Okinawa that he earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed taking his young daughters on flights in a small Cessna, followed by breakfasts at the officers' club.

In 1969, after leaving the Air Force, Duane took on the leadership of Caboose Hobbies, a family business established by his parents in 1952. Alongside his wife Joanna, he moved the store to 500 S. Broadway in Denver in 1981, growing it into the world’s largest model railroad store, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Caboose Hobbies became a cornerstone of the model railroad community, employing over 100 people at its peak, and remained a beloved establishment until its closure upon their retirement on September 11, 2016.

Duane’s love for music was a defining part of his life. He served as the Pipe Major of the El Jebel Shrine Bagpipe Band and was an avid musician, proficient in the clarinet, piano, oboe, and bagpipes, among others. He cherished traveling with Joanna and Sarah in their motorhome, exploring the United States for bagpipe band events and leisure trips, and often camping with close friends.

In retirement, Duane found joy in woodworking, particularly in crafting one-of-a-kind pens from exotic woods on his lathe, gifts for the family and close friends. For the family, each one was a top-secret mission until presented on Christmas Day, each in a custom wood box, and the very last gift to be opened. He loved spending evenings on the patio, grilling family favorites almost nightly during the summer - steaks and burgers hot off the “Hibachi” grill he brought back from Japan years ago. Duane laughed with his whole body, and his warmth, generosity, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rest in peace, my love, my husband Duane. Rest in peace, Daddy. Your spirit, passion, and love will forever remain in our hearts.

We welcome you to join us for Duane’s services.

11:00 AM MT on Wednesday, July 3rd. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Fort Logan Nation Cemetery: 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236

Staging Area C.

Reception immediately following at The Miller’s home, 4606 S Wolff St., Denver, CO 80236