Longtime Manitowoc columnist Miley dies at 86

MANITOWOC (AP) - Marge Miley, a former editor and "Milestones" columnist for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc, reached her final milestone Tuesday morning.

Miley died at age 86 at Oak Creek Assisted Living in Kiel.

She joined the newspaper in 1943 and became its first female managing editor in 1982. Her affiliation with the Herald Times Reporter and its predecessors spanned more than 66 years.

A newspaper reporter to the end, Miley even prepared a news release about her death. "Marge Miley has met her last deadline," it began.

Her start with the newspaper dates back to her days at Lincoln High School. She was editor of the school paper and used to come over to the newspaper office to borrow photos. When the paper had an opening six months after her high school graduation, it hired her as a proofreader. She went on to become women's page editor and wire editor.

Miley was news editor of the newspaper when she began her "Milestones" column in 1979 at the request of then-editor David Decker, who wanted a local column on the editorial page. The column was published for 30 years.

In addition to continuing her column from home after she retired in 1986, Miley also served on the HTR's editorial board.

"Marge was a cornerstone of this newspaper for many years," said Lowell Johnson, general manager of the newspaper. "Although I never had the opportunity to personally work with her directly, I learned so much about the history of Manitowoc County through her Milestones column that was featured in the Sunday newspaper for many years. Marge was one of those people you will never forget."

Former lifestyle editor Jacque Dickenshied worked with Miley for at least 25 years.

"Whether on current issues in her community or historical accounts in the area, Marge was 100 percent a top-notch newswoman. Her readers were widespread and for good reason," Dickenshied said.

"Marge Miley spent her entire life working for the HTR and was well respected by her co-workers and readers alike," said former longtime co-worker Ed Arndorfer.

"People loved her articles, and she'd get feedback from everywhere. People kept in contact with Manitowoc through her columns," said Bob Fay, consultant and former director of the Manitowoc County Historical Society. "She was a great person and resource, just a very intelligent woman and will be sorely missed."

Community volunteer Peggy Pitz said Miley was "a wealth of history. She'll be a lady that will be sorely missed because of the knowledge that she had."

The name of her column, which ended in 2009, was a play on Miley's last name and evolved into a history lesson for both author and readers. She wrote an estimated 1,500 columns since the first one about fall colors appeared. The Manitowoc County Historical Society published her best columns in a book in 2000.

A self-proclaimed "pack rat," Miley drew on her large collection of newspaper articles and photos as well as her memory for story ideas.

Columns included everything from recollections of World War II to accounts of historic buildings, anniversaries remembered and glimpses of Manitowoc schools in years gone by. One column played a part in the restoration of the Lincoln High School auditorium and mural.

Miley was active outside of the newspaper as well.

She twice served as president of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Business and Professional Women's Club during her 40 years of membership and was named its Woman of the Year in 1951. She served as editor of the club's state magazine, Wisconsin Business Woman.

Miley was an advocate for expanded career opportunities for women and the Equal Pay for Equal Work Amendment.

She was a life member of the Girl Scouts of America through the Manitou Council and served as troop leader, council board member and as correspondent consultant at two national encampments. Miley received the "Thanks Badge," the highest award given to an adult in Girl Scouting for her work with the local council.

Miley also taught "Fundamentals of News Writing," a course at the then-University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc County.

She received the 2004 Athena Award from the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her professional achievement, community service and for assisting women in attaining professional excellence and leadership skills.

Miley is past president of the Wisconsin Press Women and was named the organization's "Woman of Achievement" in 1968, having won many state and national writing and photography awards during her affiliation with the group.

She was a life member of the historical society, which in 2005 presented her with the Bob Fay Lifetime Achievement Award. She also was a life member of the Manitowoc Senior Center.

Miley served on the board of trustees of the former Memorial Hospital and was a member of the Rahr-West Art Museum Association and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Her interest in environmental issues was reflected in her active membership in the Trees for Tomorrow Environmental Center in Eagle