In Memory of Darrell R. Miller

Darrell R. Miller, age 82, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Reverend Richard A. Salcido will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

A Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023, 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 funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Darrell Robert Miller the son of August “Bob” and Florence (Hargens) Miller, was welcomed into the world on February 16, 1941, in the Hartley Hospital of Battle Creek, Iowa. He was raised south of Ida Grove, Iowa, on his father’s family farm and attended country school until the 5^th grade. Darrell completed his education and graduated from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1959. 

After graduation, Darrell enlisted into the United States Air Force. While stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Darrell met the love of his life Susan Knox and the rest was history. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1961, in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Midwest City. While still stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Lynn.

Darrell was honorably discharged from the Air Force in June of 1963. Darrell brought the family to his grandfather’s family farm north of Ida Grove. Before they got their first crop planted, they had their son, Lyle. Darrell farmed there for the next forty-six years.  

A devoted family man, Darrell enjoyed supporting and attending his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s sporting and music events, rarely missing one. He was an avid, devoted Green Bay Packers fan and occasionally, he followed Iowa State Football. While his children were young, he officiated high school football. He liked to golf a little, fish a little, and when farm work permitted, really enjoyed camping adventures. In the later years he did things like traveling the northeast to see the fall colors, visit relatives in Arizona or friends in Florida (in the winter), and memorably taking Susan to Prince Edward Island.

Darrell was a faithful member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove. He served the church as needed over the years. He served on the board of directors for the REC and NIPCO power utilities. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Susan Miller of Ida Grove, IA; son Lyle Miller of Gardner, KS; son-in-law Vince Dittmer of Quimby, IA; grandchildren: Ben Dittmer of Ida Grove, IA, Nick (Amanda) Dittmer of Akron, IA and Amanda Dittmer of Des Moines, IA; great grandchildren: Devin, Jaylynn, Elizabeth, Paul, and Robert; sisters Ardyce Swenson of Gilroy, CA and Ardell Marfia of San Jose, CA; aunt Doreen Miller of Ida Grove, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents August “Bob” and Florence Miller; daughter Lynn Dittmer; and brother-in-law LeRoy “Pinky” Swenson.