Willis E. Miller

Willis Earl Miller was born March 14, 1920 in rural Kalona, Iowa, the son of Albert and Maggie (Miller) Miller. He attended Fairview rural school. On July 6, 1941 he was united in marriage to Fannie Brenneman at the Fairview Conservative Mennonite Church near Kalona. The next four years were spent in Fort Collins, CO and Yipsilanti, MI doing Civilian Public Service. Willis lived in the Kalona community most of his life where he worked as a well driller for 35 years. He started drilling wells in Haiti in 1971. Wanting to improve the living conditions for the people of Haiti, he founded Water For Life in 1983. Willis has written a book about his experiences, God's gracious goodness throughout life, and many miraculous happenings in Haiti.
Willis enjoyed his many travels, which took him to the Holy lands, Europe, Africa, and India to name just a few of the places.
Willis accepted Christ in his youth, and served many years as a youth sponsor. Willis enjoyed playing golf, but his passion was caring for the welfare of others. He also served on the Mid-Prairie School Board from 1966-1969. In later years, he faithfully wrote Thank You's to donors in response to the many donations given to Water For Life.
Fannie died in May of 1998. December 9, 2000 Willis was united in marriage to Orpha Mae Nisly at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona.
Willis loved the Lord and anticipated his Home-going. He died on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at his home in Kalona at the age of 94 years.
Willis is survived by his wife Orpha of Kalona; 4 children: Ronald D. (Fannie) Miller Russell J. (Jan) Miller; Twila M. (Leonard) Hochstedler all of Kalona; Leon L. (Joy) Miller of Haiti; 16 grandchildren; and 49 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Fannie, a sister Katie Gingerich, and 5 brothers Joe A. Miller, Roy R. Miller, Verton S. Miller, Chester A. Miller and Albert Miller Jr.
The family would like to thank everyone for many acts of love and kindness shown them at this time of loss. Your support will be remembered always.


Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:30 pm Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona. Pastor Floyd Helmuth, Pastor John King and Mr. Russell Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona where the family will greet friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A memorial has been established for Water For Life. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of the arrangements. Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com