Don Miller, one of the original staff members of Mundelein High School, passed away on Thursday, June 22 at his home in Wauconda. He was 91.

Miller, considered by many as a legend at MHS, was a teacher, guidance counselor and coach for several sports during his 43 years at the school. Besides wrestling, Miller coached football, basketball and softball. He was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2000.

MHS Athletic Director Troy Parola remembers coaching wrestling in the late 1990s. He recalls his dedication to students and sports teams at MHS.

“He was a true down-to-earth person who really cared about the kids,” Parola said. He didn’t retire when he could have; he continued to work and coach because he loved it.”

Bill Gorski, who taught at MHS from 1981 to 2013, said he smiles when he says Miller’s name.

“He will be missed but his legacy will last a long time at Mundelein High School,” Gorski said.

Miller was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Industry, IL. He attended Western Illinois University and earned a dual Master’s Degree in History Education and Administration. He taught at Stronghurst High School, Avon High School and one year at Libertyville High School before moving to Mundelein High School when it opened in 1960.

He worked at MHS for 43 years, retiring in 2003.

“People had such fond memories of him, even after they left high school. Second-generation parents always wanted their kids to meet him,” said MHS teacher Tom Kuhn, who started at the school near the end of Miller’s career. “If you asked any students who were around in those days who would be on the Mount Rushmore of MHS teachers, his name always came up. He was an institution.”

His obituary can be viewed here.