Dale Miller

Dale Dwayne Miller age 78 of Fredericksburg, IA, died Monday, December 18, 2023, at Linn Haven Rehab & Healthcare in New Hampton. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg with Pastor Scott Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg with Leon Nolte, Lou Harrington, Keith Kutzbach, Kenneth Martin, Corey Pester, Gregg Sassman, and Marvin Biehle serving as pallbearers. Jari Schmidt, Robert Harrington Jr., Ralph Schultz, Gary Mattison, Jim Johanningmeier, John Bohannon, and Marvin Steege will serve as honorary pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Fredericksburg. Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg have been entrusted with arrangements. (563) 237-6212 Born on the last day of 1944 in Monona, Iowa, to Harlin & Ethel (Moon) Miller. Dale was a man whose life was defined by the love for his family, a passion for agriculture, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. A lifelong resident of Iowa, Dale took his final breaths surrounded by family. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and dedication, embodied by his beloved wife, Arlene Miller, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage that began at the Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg. Together, they nurtured a family that includes their son, James, born in Sumner, and their daughters, Dailene and Kristin, born in Sumner and New Hampton, respectively. Dale's journey through life was marked by a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to his community. A proud graduate of Monona High School, he began his career at Meinerz Creamery, a job that laid the foundation for his lifelong association with the dairy industry. Working alongside his family, Dale milked between 80 to 120 cows, a testament to his hardworking nature and dedication to the family enterprise. After losing the family dairy barn to a fire, his professional path saw him selling feed with Arbie Scooter Feeds out of Marshalltown. In 2023, he was honored as a grand dairyman alongside his wife. His contributions to agriculture were further recognized when he was named an honorary chapter farmer, a title that spoke to his expertise and generosity in sharing his knowledge with others. Dale's commitment to his community was evident in his efforts to help organize "Share the Harvest," an initiative that reflected his generous spirit and his belief in the importance of giving back to those around him. His thoughtful and courageous approach to both life and work left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Beyond his professional life, Dale was a man of diverse interests. An avid outdoorsman, he relished the time spent deer hunting and fishing, finding peace in the natural beauty of Iowa's landscape. His love for farming extended to buying produce, and he was known to passionately support the Iowa Hawkeyes, a testament to his unwavering state pride. Dale also deeply valued his time with the Mennonite community, whose principles of simplicity and community resonated with his own life philosophy. A man who loved to dance, play cards, and engage in games of dominos, Dale's presence was a source of joy at gatherings and a reminder to cherish the moments spent with loved ones. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Dale will remember him as a man who was as generous with his laughter as he was with his support, as thoughtful in his advice as he was in his actions, and as courageous in facing life's challenges as he was in standing up for his beliefs. Dale's legacy will continue to live on through the rich tapestry of memories he has left behind, the lessons he has imparted, and the love he has shared. Dale is survived by his wife Arlene Miller of Fredericksburg; son James (Christie) Miller of Federal Dam, MN; daughters: Dailene (Kenneth) Abbas of Wellsburg and Kristin (Darwin) Goddard of Charles City; sister Joyce Melcher of Monona; many nieces & nephews; grandchildren: Nickole Miller and Mike Johnson, Kerri Jo Miller, Zach and Liza Mitchell, Blake and Beth Mitchell, Jodi Miller, Nick and Cammi Mitchell, Kody Miller, Kendall Abbas, Cathy Koch, Dalen (Jenna) Abbas, Trent Abbas, Carl Goddard, Brian (Alison) Goddard; and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Harlin & Ethel (Moon) Miller; sister Marlys Seitz; brother Ronnie Miller; brother-in-laws: Leonard Seitz and Robert Melcher; and two nieces.