October 30, 1927 - October 5, 2022
Edward Miller, 94, of Algona, peacefully passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at Algona Manor in Algona. A visitation was held 5 – 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10, at Oakcrest Funeral Home in Algona. A Knights of Columbus rosary was recited at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Burial took place at Calvary Cemetery in Algona. Military rites were conducted by Lone Rock American Legion Kerr-Hammerstrom Post #577.
Edward J. Miller was born the youngest of seven children to Leo and Sarah (Lillie) Miller on Oct. 30, 1927, in Algona. Siblings included Helen, Ruth, Andrew, Edna, Howard and Cecelia. His mother Sarah, “Sadie”, passed away when he was seven years old and he was raised by his father and two sisters, Ruth and Helen. He completed his 8th grade education and then joined his father in the farming operation. Farming was Ed’s lifelong passion; and it remained in his heart, even after retiring at age 88, until the day he died.
Edward served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947 and was trained as a medic. He served mainly at the Veterans hospital in Denver, Colo.
In 1950, Ed was set up on a blind date by friends. He married Ellen Elizabeth “Betty” Doerning on Aug. 21, 1951. Together they farmed and raised six children and maintained a strong bond for one another. They had a family bean-walking team, worked side by side on the farm, enjoyed traveling the United States, and shared a love for the St. Joseph Family in Haiti. After Betty lost her battle to cancer, Edward was united in marriage to JoElla Culbertson Miller on Nov. 27, 1986. Together they enjoyed traveling and snow birding in Texas for 18 years. He always enjoyed a good game of cards, dice and other games of luck (not so much skill).
Edward passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the age of 94.
Preceding Edward in death was the love of his life, Betty, in 1985, his oldest daughter, Marcia Boatwright in 202 and a granddaughter, Jill Miller.
Left to cherish Edward’s life and memory are his children Marilyn Merrell, Norwalk; Richard (Lynn) Miller; Glen (Lori) Miller and Darrell Miller; all of Algona and Janet Schaeffer, Ankeny; son-in-law, Steve Boatwright, Apple Valley, Minn.; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edward is also survived by his wife of 35 years, JoElla Miller and her sons Gene, Al, Lynn and Gary Miller and their families. Ryan Miller preceded him in death.
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