John Henry Miller

John Henry Miller, 93, of Sioux City met his Lord and Maker on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006, at a Sioux City hospital after a brief illness.

Services will be 10:45 a.m. today at Holy Spirit Retirement Home Chapel, with the Rev. Dennis Meinen officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted. Visitation will be the hour prior to services today at Holy Spirit Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Our Dad was born Jan. 7, 1913, in Lone Tree County, Neb., to Margaret Jennie McMahon. He was given away at birth and later adopted from St. Monica's by a loving couple from Sioux City, Sophia and Henry Miller, who raised him in the Catholic faith, which he embraced and loved his entire life. In later years, his children opened "Pandora's Box" and found our Irish heritage with which we proudly embrace and display our love for this culture. This is where our humor comes from.

He attended St. Boniface Grade School as the first class to enter this brand new school with his own children and grandchildren following far behind. He then attended Trinity High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served on the USS Detroit from 1930 to 1934 and followed by 17 years in the Navy Reserve.

He met and married Dorothy Elizabeth Nelson on June 27, 1936, in Sioux City. To this union, there were seven children. She died Feb. 16, 1974, in Sioux City. He later married Mabel Hutchings on June 24, 1978, in Clinton, Iowa. She died May 31, 1994, in Sioux City. He was a lifelong Sioux City resident. John worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years and retired in June of 1973. He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and past president of the Local Branch 69, He was also a member of the American Legion Monahan Post 64.

John was an avid reader of anything he could get his hands on, especially history, as he was a plethora of knowledge for most any subject. He especially enjoyed great novels, poetry and Shakespeare, often quoting the Bard. He also enjoyed working crossword puzzles up until the end, and he could've been a master.

John traveled far and wide but always enjoyed being home in front of the big screen to watch his beloved Notre Dame and Iowa Hawkeye football teams. And we mustn't forget the Chicago Cubbies. He was truly a great sports enthusiast for all seasons.

Our Dad had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, drawing people in with his beautiful smile and warm personality. He always had a compliment for everyone and never forgot to thank people for the smallest thing that he was appreciative of. He will be remembered by the many people he embraced as a man of great wit and kind heart, never having an unkind word to say about anyone. He loved his family and excelled at guiding his children and grandchildren toward their full potential. He was a gentleman through and through, and he will be sorely missed by all.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memories are his six surviving children; son, Gerald H. (Maggie) Miller of Indianapolis, Ind.; daughter, Madonna M. (Richard) Lueck of Sioux City, sons, Richard J. (DeAnne) Miller of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Robert S. (Judi) Miller, Michael T. (Sharon) Miller and Steven M. (Lea) Miller, all of Sioux City; 16 grandchildren, Katrina Hartley, Kathy Hatter, Suzanne Stanek, Matthew and Michael Lueck, Mark Miller, Melanie Shipley, John Miller, Carrie Schaaf, Jeffrey Miller, Shelly Lara, Holly Kuntz, Christina Beaubien, Joseph and Sara Miller and Christopher Miller; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by, of course, his parents; and then both wives; a son, Daniel J. Miller; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Miller.

Pallbearers will be his daughter and five sons.

He was very grateful to the staff and Pastoral care he received through his last 13 years at Holy Spirit Retirement Home. He loved and admired you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Queen of Peace.