CRESCO, IOWA — Charles Harrison “Charlie” Miller, 94, of Cresco, died peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Evans Home in Cresco.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Peace Lutheran Church, 745 County Street in Ridgeway. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco. Family and friends may also gather Saturday afternoon at the Ridgeway Community Center for a celebration of Charlie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Orleans Lutheran Church.
Charlie was born December 28, 1931, in Cresco, the son of Curtis and Helen (Burnham) Miller. He grew up on a farm outside Cresco and graduated from Cresco High School in 1950.
He served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1956. His military service took him from basic training in Texas to Boston, Massachusetts.
After returning home, Charlie joined his brother, Robert, on the family farm. According to his obituary, farming was more than an occupation for Charlie—it was a way of life that taught his children the importance of perseverance, responsibility and hard work.
Charlie married Marilyn Storli on January 18, 1955. Together, they raised four children: Julie, Jeff, Dean and Laurie. Their family farm became the setting for countless lessons, stories and memories.
Following Marilyn’s death in 1996, Charlie found love again with Beverly Ann Bakken. They married June 10, 2000, and enjoyed more than two decades together before her death in 2021. Charlie and Beverly traveled extensively and spent winters in Arizona.
Faith remained central to Charlie throughout his life. He was an active member of the Orleans Lutheran Church community, served on the church council and shared his Christian faith with his children and grandchildren.
Charlie also served his community as a township trustee and was a proud 50-year member of the American Legion.
His obituary describes him as a lively man with a sharp wit, infectious smile and gentlemanly charm. He enjoyed telling stories, cracking jokes and gathering with relatives and longtime friends. Even during his later years at the Evans Home, Charlie continued entertaining those around him with compliments and playful humor.
Some of his happiest memories came from summers spent with family and friends at Woman Lake Lodge and Wildcat Landing in Brownsville, Minnesota. Campfires, time on the water and conversations with loved ones provided opportunities to pass along his humor and life lessons.
Charlie took immense pride in his family and happily told others about their accomplishments. He enjoyed simple pleasures, including vanilla wafers delivered by his daughter-in-law Sue, and delighted in reminding relatives that he had “started all of this.”
Charlie is survived by his children, Jeff (Julie) Miller, Dean (Sue) Miller and Laurie (Steve) Fangman; son-in-law Steve Linderbaum; stepchildren Denise Bakken, Joni Bakken, Randy (Tammy) Bakken and Todd (Stacy) Bakken; seven step-grandchildren; and 12 step-great-grandchildren.
His grandchildren include Kris Hovey, Jennie (Matt) Stortz, Heidi (Marty) Rice, Jeremy (Laura) Miller, Jenny (Aaron) Larson, Curtis Miller, Stephanie (Alex) Ollendieck, Jake (Kally) Miller, Sam Fangman and Sarah Fangman.
Charlie is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren Charlie and Ada Heying and Aspen Bohr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Robert Miller and Betty Hauser; wives Marilyn and Beverly; daughter Julie Linderbaum; stepson Kim Bakken; and great-great-granddaughter Mabel Bohr.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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