In Memory of Murel L. Miller

Murel L. Miller, age 78, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022, as the result of injuries from an automobile accident.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 25, 2022, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 2:45 p.m. and Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m., at the Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Murel Lee Miller, the son of Herbert N. and Mazie (Pedersen) Miller, was born on March 19, 1944, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He started his grade school education in Battle Creek before the family relocated to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he graduated with the class of 1962.

After graduation, Murel started a career with John Deere in Cedar Falls. On November 30, 1963, Murel was united in marriage to Diane Hennings and to this union two children were born Robin and Steve. In 1970 he relocated to Ida Grove, Iowa, and continued his career at Borchers Implement. After leaving Borchers, Murel went to work for Midwest Industries in the shipping department for 20 plus years before continuing his education at Western Iowa Tech Community College obtaining a technical degree in auto body repair/mechanics.

He went on to open his own shop called Miller’s Service Center located in downtown Ida Grove. In March of 2000, Murel lost his beloved wife Diane. He moved to Florida where he worked as a maintenance technician on the Disney World fleet. After several months in Florida, Murel missed the weather along with the scenery of Iowa and decided to return home to Ida Grove. In December of 2010, Murel had his first date with Judy Uhl and the couple have shared many years together.

Murel was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove and a 4^th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Ida Grove Fire Department as a fireman. He loved to go camping, fishing, traveling, wintering in New Mexico, attending country music concerts, playing Bingo, casino hopping, drinking coffee with friends, tinkering on cars and motorcycles, taking long drives with his faithful four-legged companion Bob, and a cold Miller Lite. Out of all the things that Murel loved doing, he treasured being a grandfather the most. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their events.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Robin (Marty) Huenecke of Holstein, IA and Steve (Sara Rosenow) Miller of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren: Kennedy Mason, Ethan Mason, Gabi Mason, Addison Miller, Norah Miller, and Garrett Rosenow; longtime companion Judy Uhl of Ida Grove, IA; brother Raymond Jacobson of Meriden, IA; sisters-in-law Sharon Miller of Cedar Falls, IA, Karyn Gilpatric of Harlan, IA, Linda Noble of Aplington, IA and Debbie Andariese of Flagstaff, AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Murel was preceded in death by his father Herbert Miller and mother Mazie Jacobson; step father Ed Jacobson; wife Diane Miller; brother Leon Miller; step sister Anita; a brother and sister in infancy; in-laws Melvin and Rita Hennings; sisters-in-law Sandy and Joanne; and brothers-in-law Melvin, Ron, and Wayne.