Andre M. Mills

Andre Micheaux Mills left this world as he lived in it — peacefully, with dignity, at home, in the early morning hours of March 28, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born December 1, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Andre came into this life with something to give — and he gave it, fully, for nearly eight decades. He served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, earned his degree from UCLA, and later his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Over a career spanning more than 40 years as a corporate Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, he brought the same qualities to his work that he brought to everything: steadiness, wisdom, and a deep belief in people.

But Andre was not defined by titles. He was defined by the way he showed up.

At the center of Andre’s life was Ari, his wife of more than 35 years. Together they built a world in the small moments: movies watched side by side, dancing all night, exploring every corner of the world hand in hand, and living each day with the quiet ease of two people who had found their best friend.

Andre lived a life full of texture, mastering the grill, filling every room with his favorite jazz, enjoying a good poker game, and spending treasured evenings by the firepit with Seth. He was a faithful presence, always cheering on Elisha and the girls, whether from the sidelines or any row in the stands. A true cowboy in spirit and practice, he deeply loved his numerous quarter horses and passed the love of riding to each of his granddaughters.

Andre had a gift for making people feel at ease. His humor came naturally, and his warmth was effortless and genuine. He was the kind of man whose presence could settle a room, whose guidance was offered generously, and whose friendship could always be counted on. He showed up with his whole heart, and those around him felt deeply cared for because of it.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; his mother, Ruby; and his brothers, Anthony and James.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Aracelis; his daughter, Elisha (Seth); his granddaughters, Aryana (Nicholas), Amelya, and Ava; his brothers, Charles (Tommie), Journee, and Vincent (Pam); his sisters-in-law, Nereida (Ramon), Rosalind (Adriaan), Migdalia (the late Michael), Iris, and brother-in-law, Francisco; Aunt Vidy; and, a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

The family wishes to extend their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to those whose love and presence eased Andre’s final passage. Your care, your steadiness, and your willingness to simply be there meant everything.

Andre Micheaux Mills lived with purpose. He loved with his whole heart. And the world is quieter without him, but richer for every breath he shared with us.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. Military honors will immediately follow the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Mayo program.