Dr. Jeffrey Lyle Mills DVM aka Dr. Puppy, 64, of Merrill, WI, died unexpectedly on August 19, 2022. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family, friends & clients who were always entertained by his caring heart, stories, and hilarious sense of humor. Jeff was born on May 11, 1958, to Robert and Anne Mills (Kupfer) in Peoria, IL. Jeff graduated from the University of Illinois as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 1985. Following graduation, he worked for a few veterinary clinics in Bloomington and Peoria, IL before he moved to Merrill, WI and opened his own veterinary hospital Countryside Animal Clinic, where Jeff has loved and served that community, clients & his patients for almost 30 years. Surgery was his specialty and his absolute love! He was the first Veterinary Surgical Laser Center in Northwestern Wisconsin. His love of animals always showed by his education to each client on their pet’s best care before sending them home or personal follow up calls he made. Jeff always said, “Very few people go to work every day loving what they do, but I do!” It showed in everything he did for his patients and clients. He also was a volunteer vet for multiple veterinary programs including IL Pug Rescue, Central WI St Bernard Rescue, Doberman Pinscher Assoc of WI, KY Pug Rescue, Lake Shore Corgi Rescue, Midwest Pug Rescue of MN, Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue of WI, Village of Maine Spay & Neuter Feral Cats Program & Fetch, Foster & Rescue Organization. When he wasn’t working, he loved fishing and hunting and was one of four people who started the McLean County and Illinois River Valley Pheasants Forever Chapters.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother Gregorey (Tammy) Mills, sister Sherri Mills, four nephews, one great niece, and three great nephews.

A celebration of life will be in his hometown of Peoria, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to any of the following charities: American Heart of Cancer Association or Local Animal Shelter. Countryside Animal Hospital will be opened Monday, October 17^th from 4-7 pm to pick up your pet’s medical records or contact 816-207-7616 and leave a message. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com