Russell Miller
July 18, 2012
Russell Ivan Miller, 71, went to be with our Lord Wednesday, July 18, 2012.
Russ was born April 7, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Henry Miller and Viva Mae (Rhoades) Miller Vardo. He was raised by his mother and step-father, Bert Vardo, and lived in Des Moines and Newton before moving to Colfax. After graduating from Colfax High School in 1960, he resided in Altoona, moving to Mitchellville in 2006.
Russ retired from Armstrong Pirelli with 33 years of service in 1994, at the time the company became Titan Tire. He then worked several part-time jobs over the next 14 years, including Lutz Pharmacy, Hope Lutheran Church, Porter Hardware, and Des Moines Register, before fully retiring in mid-2010. Russ enjoyed life, loved the Lord, and used his talents to serve Him at every opportunity. He took pride in yard work, was eager to share his knowledge when asked, and loved spending time with family. He had a great appreciation for vintage cars and fond memories of car racing and space shuttle launches. He also enjoyed traveling.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma in 1988, and his parents. Those survivors left to grieve his loss include his wife of 23 years, Marie; daughter, Joan of West Des Moines; sons, Randy of Nevada, Gerry (Jennifer) of Norwalk, and Chris of West Des Moines; step-children, Phyllis Pierce of Ankeny, Jacque (Doug) Dales of Bellevue, NE, and Paul (Kimberly) Pierce of Prairie City; 12 grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Clifford Miller of Reno, NV, David (Janice) Miller of Newton, and Lloyd (Janice) Miller of Johnston; plus nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Hope Lutheran Church, 3857 E. 42nd Street in Des Moines. Burial will take place at 9:45 a.m. Monday, at the Colfax Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Robin Copic
07/22/2012
To the entire Russ Miller family:
I am very sorry for your great loss. I knew him from the family gatherings we shared. Although we never spent alot of time together, I was at ease with him from our first meeting. He was a good man. May all our memories of him keep you strong and know he will always be with you in your heart.
Paul Snider and Arliss Dekker
07/22/2012
Marie...
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Russ was an amazing person and will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Sid and Sharon Maxwell
07/22/2012
We really enjoyed Russ and Marie June when they were at the family reunion in 2010. We considered him our friend and a great member of our extended family. He will be missed at the next reunion. Our deepest sympathy to Marie and family.
Jerry & Joyce Roshek
07/21/2012
Russ was a great friend, would do anything for you. Worked with him at Armstrong for maney years. Will always remember his strong faith he had in God. That's the way we will remember him!!!
Laura Goodwin
07/20/2012
I'm so sorry, Marie. We just don't ever know God's plan. But we do know Russ is in a wonderful place now and he'll be there for you. It's hard, but hold on to your faith. He is always with us even if we don't always understand Him.
Cindy Stanford
07/20/2012
Deanna, We are so sorry for your loss. We send our love and prayers for you and your family.
Donald Witt
07/20/2012
I didn't know Russell, but I'm a friend of his Son Chris. He spoke very Highly of his Father over the last 6 years that I've known Chris, so I've felt like I knew him. I send my Condolences, Thoughts, and Prayers to the Family.
Chris Elrod
07/20/2012
Joan - My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. Find comfort in The Creator and know that you will see him again on the other side.
Susanne Deike & Family
07/20/2012
We are saddened to hear of Russ passing. Russ was always so kind, he greeted you with a welcoming smile and you were never at a loss for words when you were in his company. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Schloss
07/20/2012
Russ will be missed greatly here on Earth. He was a very special man and his love for God and his family was evident. I didn't have the chance to spend a lot of time with him as we are so far away, but I always enjoyed talking with him and hearing of the things he and Marie June were doing in their service to the Lord. Life always seems too short here on earth, and we are saddened to loose those we love, but as Christians, we will meet again in eternity.
Cal Maxwell
07/19/2012
I wish I could have spent more time with Russ, but, he was the person that you didn't have to spend a lot of time with to know. I felt at ease with him at our first meeting and I felt he was the right man for Marie June. ---He will be missed by everyone that knew him!
Tim Heckman
07/19/2012
Sorry to have him called home so soon. I enjoyed the brief times spent visiting with him. Always a smile on his face and we are grateful for the happiness that he brought into Marie's life.