Dennis Miller

In Loving Memory Dennis “Denny” Miller, age 73, of Schaller, Iowa, died Friday, October 4, 2024 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in SCHALLER. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements. Dennis Miller was born March 9, 1951 to Rex and Adelyn (Lindquist) Miller in Lake City, Iowa. He grew up on a dairy farm outside of Harcourt, Iowa and was very involved in 4H and the National Dairy Congress, showing livestock & winning awards at county & state fairs. He graduated from Gowrie High School in 1969 and attended Buena Vista University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1974. On August 19, 1973, Denny was united in marriage to Darla Fitzsenry at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: Josh and Leah. Denny started teaching in Russell, Iowa right after graduation from college. After two years, he took over the High School Band at Ida Grove, Iowa. After four years, he left education and tried his hand in the Crop Insurance business. He returned to teaching in 1982 at Schaller, Iowa. After 17 years at Schaller, Denny started teaching at Northeast Hamilton in Blairsburg, Iowa. During his first year there, the superintendent asked him to get certification to teach Industrial Technology (Shop). For five years, Denny taught Band and Shop. In 2005, he moved to Central of Fenton, Iowa to take over the Industrial Technology program. In 2007, Denny left education for good, ending a 31 year teaching career. During his teaching career, he worked for 24 summers as a Crop Hail Insurance Adjuster in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. After he left teaching, he worked at C&K Heating Inc. in Ames. He was a Service Technician, Salesman, Trainer, and Service Tech Supervisor. Denny was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, where he served various offices including Vice President. He was also an honorary member of the Schaller VFW, marching with their HUPTU Squad in local parades and playing taps during military funerals. Denny loved music, especially the Beatles. For 15 years, he played in weekend bands every Friday and Saturday. Denny enjoyed traveling to see his children and grandchildren over the years, with a highlight being his family trip to Disney World in 2017. In his free time, Denny found joy in woodworking and making several gifts for family members. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Denny is survived by his wife, Darla Miller of Schaller, Iowa; children: Josh (Lisa) Miller of Washington, D.C.; Leah (Kevin) Allen of Elkridge, Maryland; brother: Dale Miller of Gowrie, Iowa; sister: Lois Brinkman of Lone Tree, Iowa; grandchildren: JD and Andrew Miller; Aiden and Max Allen; sister-in-law: Carol Miller; brother-in-law: Jerry Paullin; siblings in-law: Tamara (Pat) Davis; Dwight Fitzsenry; Janda (David) Radke; many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Rex and Adelyn Miller; brother: Lloyd Miller; sister: Margaret Paullin; parents-in-law: Robert and Thelma Fitzsenry; sister-in-law: Patricia Miller; brother-in-law: Martin Brinkman; and brother-in-law: Todd Fitzsenry.

Dennis Miller

March 9, 1951 - October 4, 2024