Sylvester Duane Miller, 93, died on September 11, 2026, at the Morrow Home in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Duane was born on Christmas Day, 1932 in Wellman, Iowa, to Enos and Erma (Doolin) Miller. He was the firstborn of six children with two brothers and three sisters. He attended Iowa Mennonite School. At 18, Duane enlisted in the Civilian Public Service and left Iowa to train as a milk tester at Penn State. He worked with the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association in Pennsylvania for two years.
Duane met Florence Hock at a church gathering in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They married October 15, 1955, at the Brethren in Christ Church.
The couple moved to Iowa where their sons, Creedon and Curtis were born. In 1959, the family moved to Pennsylvania to take over the Hock family dairy farm when Florence's father became ill. Their son Craig joined the family in 1961. Over the next 17 years, the family owned and operated dairy farms in the Cumberland Valley. In 1977, Florence and Duane sold their farm on the Conodoguinet Creek and returned to Iowa City. Duane worked in construction before transitioning to the University of Iowa, where he worked for the Stores and Vending. In 2003, Duane retired from the University and in his retirement worked part-time at Menard's.
Duane and Florence enjoyed an Alaska cruise to celebrate their retirement. Over the years, they made road trips to all corners of the U.S. along with regular trips to visit their sons and families in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Creating fun and memories for their grandchildren was one of Duane's specialties. Their Amber Street home was the site of many Christmas and Easter family gatherings.
In 2021, Duane and Florence moved to Sparta, Wisconsin, where their son and daughter-in-law supported them in the transition to assisted care. They met these challenges together, with grace, prayer, and the kindness of family and caregivers.
Duane was a kind man who was genuinely interested in others. He was a devoted Christian and always a member of a faith community. Duane was an enthusiastic fan of the Hawkeye's Women's Basketball and Men's Football programs. He was a proud father of his sons, daughters-in law, and grandfather to his grandchildren. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and Iowa. Most of all, he loved his wife Florence and treasured their 70 years of marriage.
Duane is survived by his sons: Curtis (Andrea) and Craig (Nancy); daughter-in-law: Debra (Creedon); eight grandchildren and their partners; and six great-grandchildren; brother: Dale (Carol) Miller; and sister: Ermadine Boshart; and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Florence; son: Creedon; brother: Gene Miller; and sisters: Elaine Earnest and Janice Blosser,
A memorial service for Duane and Florence Miller will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Wellman Mennonite Church. Public visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m. with a lunch following. Memorial gifts to The Mennonite Central Committee can be given at the service or through the MCC website.
The Powell Funeral Home, Wellman, is caring for Duane and his family.
