Mary Louise Miller

Rock Valley, Iowa: Mary Louise (Milbrodt) Miller, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and caring friend, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Whispering Heights of Rock Valley, Iowa, at the age of 90. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 17, at 10:30 AM at Peace Lutheran Church of rural Sioux Center, Iowa with Rev. William Loefke officiating. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Sunday, April 16, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Mary Lou was born July 4, 1932, on a farm in Preston Township, rural Akron, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Meta (Frerichs) Milbrodt. She was raised in a loving family with her 14 siblings. Mary was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Akron. She attended country school in Preston Township and graduated from Akron High School in 1950. She was active in 4-H and church activities in her youth. After graduation, Mary worked as a telephone operator in Hawarden, Iowa.

   Mary Lou was united in marriage to John E. Miller on September 7, 1952, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Akron. John and Mary lived on and farmed Far View Farm southwest of Rock Valley, Iowa for 63 years. They loved their life on the farm growing oats, corn, soybeans, vegetable and flower gardens, and raising livestock. John and Mary traveled often and enjoyed many fishing trips through the years. They always enjoyed their times at Lake Okoboji. Mary was a hardworking farm wife and excellent homemaker. She was a super Mom and Grandma. She enjoyed quilting, baking, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, the Jumble word puzzle, and playing cards with John every day. Mary was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, rural Sioux Center, Iowa, including Sunday School Superintendent and member of WELCA and Sarah Circle.

   Left to cherish her memory are her five children, Abigail (Dan) Kersbergen, Elizabeth (Curtis) Greene, Timothy (Lisa) Miller, James (Sandra) Miller, and Stephen Miller; fifteen grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Edith (James Small); and many nieces and nephews also survive.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Herman and Meta; 10 brothers, Henry, Clarence, Fred, Herman, William, George, Mervin, Robert, Paul, and Charles Milbrodt; and 3 sisters, Ruth Heubrock, Dorothy Lane, and Vera Hansen.

   Mary touched so many with her kindness and selflessness. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master. (Matthew 25:21)