William Miller

William “Bill” Miller, 92, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at his residence. A private family service was held with interment at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa.  Donations may be sent to Ann at 202 E Washington, Knoxville, Iowa, 50138, to be distributed to the Marion County Humane Society or the Knoxville Public Library.

William Albert Miller was born on February 27, 1931, to Albert and Josephine (Shortridge) Miller in Lansing, Kansas. Bill joined the Air Force at age 16 and served for 23 years, during which he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Part of his time was spent overseas which included the Korean and Vietnam wars. His military career was one of his greatest accomplishments, and he was so proud to have served his country. After his career in the Air Force, he went to college using his GI benefits where he obtained his master’s degree in social work. He moved to Knoxville, Iowa, and worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs for 32 years before retiring in 2009. At the time of his retirement, he was the Director of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program. His second career as a social worker allowed him to help fellow veterans, which was very rewarding and satisfying. After working two full careers, he was ready to sit back and enjoy life at a slower pace.     

Bill married Ann Gotta on June 25, 1993, and they shared 30 wonderful years together. The couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, where they traveled a total of 36 consecutive times. There are many happy memories from those trips. Bill was an avid reader in his spare time and also had a great love for all animals. His family was his greatest love, and he always enjoyed time spent with them. He had a great sense of humor and liked playing practical jokes and teasing people.   He had a heart of gold even though he enjoyed acting like a curmudgeon, which was one of his favorite words. He and Ann shared many good times and memories.       

Bill will be dearly missed by his wife, Ann; daughter, Terri Miller; daughter-in-law, Cathy Miller; grandchildren:  Kellie (Jason) Lewis, Terry (Sebastian) Martinez, and Denise Mallick; siblings-in-law: Harry (Alonna) Gass; Linda Wadle; and Robert Gass; great grandchildren: Alice Lewis, Calvin Lewis, Della Lewis, Taylor Pierce, Billy Maroulis, Brianna Mallick, and Tommy Mallick; nieces: Laurie Goff and Patty (Jim) Russell; nephews:  Tony (Angie) Wadle and Ben (Sarah) Wadle; great nephews and nieces:  Clinton Goff, Connor Goff, Jacob Russell, Kyle Russell, Hayden Wadle, Olivia Wadle, Andrew Maresca, and Avery Maresca.

 He was preceded in death by his son, Bill and brother, Dan.