Willis R. Miller

Willis R. Miller was born December 13, 1926 in Millersburg, Ohio, the son of Calvin and Emma (Weaver) Miller. He has lived in the Wellman community since 1949. On December 28, 1950 he was united in marriage to Lois Steckly at the Wellman Mennonite Church. Willis farmed and drove truck until retiring in 1993, he then drove school bus for the Mid-Prairie School District. Willis was a member of the Wellman Mennonite Church, and served as a camp Pastor at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. He was a wonderful story teller, he lead various choirs, coached youth baseball for many years, coached softball at IMS, and was an umpire for youth sports for 15 years. Willis lived his life according to Jesus, he was kind and loving to all and enjoyed giving graciously. Willis died on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City at the age of 87 years.
Willis is survived by three sons James R. Miller of Wellman; John C. Miller and wife Maryanne of West Hills, CA; Lowell A. Miller of Redlands, CA; a daughter Lois Ann Dehogues and husband Al of Kalona; six grandchildren Jennifer Miller, Alex, Will and Jacey Dehogues, Torre Miller, Kyla Miller; a brother Nelson Miller of Newcomerstown, OH; his favorite niece; and his caregivers Ammie Neal and Serenity Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, a son Warren Ray Miller, a brother Elwyn Miller; and six sisters Doris Kandel, Edna Bontrager, Alice Sommers, Erdine Stutzman, Annabelle Bontrager and infant Cora Miller.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Wellman Mennonite Church in Wellman. Pastor Nathan Ramer and Pastor Phil Slabaugh will officiate. Burial will be held prior to the service at 10:00 AM in the Wellman Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-8 PM on Friday October 17, 2014 at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona where the family will greet friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa Mennonite School music department and the Mid-Prairie Athletic Boosters.
Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com