David Dean Miller died peacefully in his sleep with his wife at side on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16 at the Methodist Church in Osage at 527 Main St. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
David arrived in this world as a late Christmas present on December 26, 1964 to his parents Isabelle and Gerry Miller. For 59 years, he was a gift to his family and friends. After his elementary years, his family moved from East Detroit, Michigan to Glen Ellen, Illinois. After his middle school years, they moved to New Berlin, Wisconsin where he finished high school.
David worked many jobs from food service to factory work. He met the mother of his son Caleb through a church they both attended. Though that relationship did not last, he maintained a connection with his son.
When he was working as a church custodian at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Milwaukee he met his future wife, Penney Morse. They were together for over 25 years and retired to Osage, Iowa in 2007 to care for Penney’s mother Frances Morse. He made a front yard garden and grew ingredients for his delicious meals. Penney and David enjoyed biking, hiking, and working on projects around the house together.
David was a loving and kind man who not only helped care for his mother-in-law, but helped other senior citizens maintain their independence. He would respond to first alert calls, he would open jars of pickles, put in a light bulb, wash windows, walk dogs, or put salt in a water softener for whoever called him. David exemplified sustained love by the many tiny acts of random affection and devotion he showed to those around him.
Making delicious meals was a specialty. His homemade pizzas were mouthwatering and he loved to invite people in to share. He perfected many soups and hot dishes and was always scouring cooking magazines and cook books for new ideas.
For nine years, he was devoted to his cocker spaniel Stuart, who trained him to open the door when he wanted to go out and to give him only the treats he wanted. His favorite hobby was riding his bike and he loved taking Stuart on long bike rides. When Stuart got too old to run beside him on his bike, he bought a doggie cart and took Stuart with him everywhere.
He was proud of his son Caleb, who started working at Wisconsin State Fair Park when he was sixteen and still works there today. When Caleb married Natalie, and they had a daughter Mila, he was so happy to be a grandpa.
David is survived by his mother Isabelle Miller, his wife Penney Morse, his son Caleb (Natalie), his grand-daughter Mila, his step-sons Casey (Magda) and Elliott Payne (Lindsay), his siblings Mike (Joan), Tony (Maria), Larry (Vicky), Mark (Julie), Linda Cummings (Johnnie), Chris (Tom), Sheryl Sitek (Rob) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Gerry Miller.
Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 63, Osage, IA 50461 or a donation in David’s honor may be made to a charity of your choice.
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