Dean Fred Miller

Dean Fred Miller, age 81, of Albia, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, IA.

Dean was born on August 21, 1942, in Albia to Dexter and Nola (Pinkston) Miller. He grew up attending school in Albia and graduated from Albia High School in 1962. On August 25, 1963, he was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Ford in Newton, IA, and they were blessed with 5 children, Jeff, Shelley, Mary Beth, Robert, and Tim. Dean and Sharon shared 58 years of marriage prior to Sharon’s passing on April 22, 2022.

Dean was a lifelong farmer. He also worked at Vernon Company Sales and Advertising in Newton where he was a machine operator and later the warehouse manager until his retirement in 2006.

Dean was a member of the Albia Baptist Temple and a member of the American Legion in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and golfing with his brothers and sons. Dean enjoyed putting puzzles together, which he often glued and framed, as well as playing card games such as farkle, cribbage, and solitaire. Dean loved to visit with others and never knew a stranger. He was a very generous man with a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. Above all else, Dean loved his family and cherished all the time spent with them, especially his grandchildren.

Dean is survived by 4 children, Jeff (Loretta) Miller, Shelley (Daniel) Johnson, Robert (Tresa) Miller, and Tim (Lindsey) Miller; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Dean is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents, Dexter and Nola Miller; a daughter, Mary Beth in infancy; and his siblings, Eugene, Minnie, Charles, James, Paul, Art, Mildred, and Kenny.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Dean’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Burial will follow services at Service Chapel Cemetery in Albia.

An open memorial has been established to the family.

Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.