Michael Henry Miller

Mike Miller, 75, of Spirit Lake passed away January 5 surrounded by family at Lakes Regional Health Care. A graveside service with Military Rites will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Lake View Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Michael Henry “Butch” Miller was born May 15, 1948, to Wayne and Hazel (Bell) Miller in West Bend, IA. He attended and graduated from West Bend High School in 1966. After high school he enlisted in the Army National Guard. On August 5, 1972, Butch married the love of his life Jacquelyn Knecht in West Bend. While Jackie was a nurse, Butch farmed until 1975 and worked for Farm Services, Reiff Grain & Feed and Batavia Elevator before beginning his career with the United States Postal Service – where he worked his way up to Postmaster until his retirement in 2005. He also continued to raise hogs and broilers with his family in Libertyville, teaching the values of responsibility, self-discipline, and hard work to his children along the way. When Jackie tragically died in 1987, Butch took the challenge of raising his children head-on: spending countless hours coaching their teams, in the bleachers watching them play and attending all their academic endeavors – band & choir concerts, speech and drama performances, awards banquets, etc. He served on numerous committees and always encouraged his children to stand behind the decisions they made as they grew up. He also loved playing ball at the Annual Miller Reunion with his nieces, nephews and all the kids, and taking his grandkids to Arnolds Park during summer visits. Butch was a member of the Lions Club and a lifetime member of the American Legion. After his retirement from the USPS, he worked part-time at multiple places, retiring “for good” in the Summer of 2023 from his position on the Board of Homestead Co-op. Butch was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, and you could always find plenty of pop and popcorn around during Hawkeye games. Mike is survived by his children Mike (Deann) Miller of Richmond, TX; Jill (Ryan) McCormick of Chattanooga, TN; Chris (Cheryl) Miller of Ankeny; and Drew Miller of West Des Moines; Grandchildren Riley, Cole and Callie McCormick, Jake, Devyn, and Luke Miller; and sister Peggy (Merle) Boomgarden of Algona; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jackie, brothers Herb, Rich, Bud, Lannie, and Denny along with his sister Joyce.

Michael Henry Miller

May 15, 1948 - January 5, 2024