In loving memory of

Thomas L. Miller
July 28, 2009

Interment: East Lawn Cemetery ~ Algona, IA

Thomas Leo Miller was born November 4, 1947, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Howard and Beatrice (Kollasch) Miller. He grew up in Algona where he played on a local hockey team and enjoyed his high school years playing football. Tom graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1965. After his schooling Tom moved to Denver where he worked for Continental Airlines before moving back to Britt and working road construction with Everd's Brothers.

On September 10, 1983, Tom was united in marriage to Darla Rutledge at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. After their marriage they lived in Algona and Tom worked as a retail clerk for Big Bear and later Hy-Vee before having to retire due to health reasons.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family especially following his nieces and nephews in their school and sporting events. He also enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, doing cross stitch and going to coffee with friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Algona Council #952 and St. Cecelia Parish where he was an active member of the Church and Funeral Choirs.

Thomas died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at his home in Algona. He was 61.

He is survived by his wife, Darla of Algona; parents, Howard and Bea Miller of Algona; brothers and sisters, Jacky and Curtis Hanson of Brooklyn Park, MN; Jim and Kathy Miller of Phoenix, AZ; Dale and Patricia Miller of Scottsdale, AZ; Donna and Dale Johnson of Olathe, KS, and Barb Miller of Maple Grove, MN. Also surviving are many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Gertrude Kollasch and Leo J. and Sarah Miller.


Tributes

Janet penning wrote on Aug 5, 2009:

"Darla im am so sorry to hear about Tom. You have my sympathy and my prayers.,"

Lori (Schaaf) Vancura wrote on Aug 3, 2009:

"Darla - I went to school with Barb and I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Lori"

Jim and Janice Schumacher wrote on Aug 2, 2009:

"DARLA AND FAMILY So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was always a character in high school and after. I will always remember him always giving me a bad time when we seen both of you then he would get that grin of his and giggle . take care Jim and Janice Schumacher"

Robert, Marsha and Jarrod Nichols and Lindsay and wrote on Aug 2, 2009:

"Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We fondly remember Tom's infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor and know that fond memories of him will carry you through the days to come."

Jillian Miller wrote on Aug 2, 2009:

"Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Darla, and family- I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Tom's passing. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Love, Jill"

Milo Kollasch & Family wrote on Aug 2, 2009:

"Darla, Howard and Bea and family, we are keeping you in our prayers and remembering the good times, Tom's laugh, and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in Britt. We remember his brush with death 32 years ago and the many visits at the hospital in Iowa City. We have been continually amazed at how well he did after that time. We will all miss him. His was not only a nephew but a good friend. Milo Kollasch and family."

The Bichels wrote on Aug 2, 2009:

"Sweet Darla. We are so sad to Hear about Tom. What a Sweetheart of a guy that we are BLESSED to have known and been apart of our lives!! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can help in any way.let us know. I know you will have a big void in your life without him. I think of him and can only smile. He brought thaf out in anyone he was around!!! May God continue to bless you with many friends and family. Love rose and family."

Marcia (Miller) BoatwrightB wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"Darla, Uncle Howard and Aunt Bea, Extending our sincere sympathy to each of you on the passing of Tom. Steve and I hold you in our thoughts and prayers throughout this time of saddness and grief. Tom was always the first to extend a greeting, share a joke and bring a smile to every conversation. I will always remember his "love" of mowing the evergreens on Dad's farm one summer! God bless and give you comfort."

Tim &Marylou Wood wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

" Dearest Family, even though weve never met,I feel for your loss and wish you our condolences. Jim is like a brother to me now and he brings such joy and happiness to my sister Kathy. I'm sure your very proud of all your sons and daughters and we wish you our best."

Les and Colleen Briggs wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"Darla, we were sorry to hear of Tom's death. We always had fun talking to you and Tom when we saw each other at McDonalds in the afternoon. Please take care. Tom will be missed"

Allan, Paula and Levi Eppens wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"Darla, Uncle Howard and Aunt Bea and cousins. We're so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom embraced life and made the most of everything he faced. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Janellle Wagner wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"Howard, Bea,Darla and family, My deep sympathy to all of you in the passing of Tom. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Janelle Wagner"

Janellle Wagner wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"Howard, Bea,Darla and family, My deep sympathy to all of you in the passing of Tom. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Janelle Wagner"

Connie Ellis wrote on Jul 30, 2009:

"So sorry to hear about your loss, will keep your family in our prayers. Connie and Jay Ellis"

Janet (Miller) Schaeffer wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"Darla, Uncle Howard, Aunt Bea and family- So sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember Tom as the comic in the crowd. Wherever he was, there was laughter and his huge smile. May the good memories carry you through this tough time. Know that my prayers are with you."

Lara Kleier wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"Darla, Thinking of you at this time and praying for you. May memories be a support to you. If you need anything please let me know. My sympathy to you. Lara"

Toni Krug wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"Darla, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you strenght and peace in the days ahead."

Larry and Barb Fox & family wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"DARLA, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF TOM..YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS..MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE..KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE..WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY.. LARRY FOX AND FAMILY "

Marilyn (Miller) Merrell wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"Darla, Aunt Bea and Uncle Howard I'm sorry to hear of Tom's death. He definitely enjoyed life! Lot's of memories."

Darla, wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember when you both used to come into Hardee's all the time. Kim Doughan "

Bonnie Norsted, M.A. L.P. wrote on Jul 29, 2009:

"My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Jacky. So sorry to hear of your brother's death at such a young age. Bonnie (Curt's sister)."

Jill Moe wrote on Jul 28, 2009:

"Darla, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Thinking of you, Jill Moe"

Lyle And Becky Hanson wrote on Jul 28, 2009:

" Darla, You are in our tthoughts and prayers. Becky and I are thinking of you, Lyle And Becky Hanson Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. ~Author Unknown "