Norman R. Miller 1924 - 1999

MILLER, HANSEN, PETLON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/16/2014 at 21:10:47

Sloan Starlet
18 August 1999

Norman R. Miller, 75, of Turin, Iowa, died Monday, July 26, 1999, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Norman was born January 10, 1924, at Alta, Iowa, the son of Randrup and Margaret (Hansen) Miller. He attended Fairview Consolidated School, a country school near Alta for all 12 years of his education. After graduating from there, he attended Buena Vista College for one year before entering the Army in 1943 to serve his country.

He was a glider trooper and radio operator for the 17th Airborne Division. He was taken captive during the crossing of the Rhine River at the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded. He spent time in several prison camps, escaping after being held captive for several weeks. He received the Purple Heart and other medals.

After his military obligation, he returned to Buena Vista College where he received his Bachelors Degree and lettered in basketball and football. He then enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he received his training to be a principal.

On June 17, 1945, he married Gwen Petlon at Alta, Iowa. Norman returned to his Alma Mater, Fairview Consolidated School, in 1948 where he served as principal and coach for five years. In 1951, the family moved to Moorhead, Iowa, where he taught history, served as principal and coached girls basketball. In 1969, the couple moved to Turin but he continued his teaching duties at East Monona. He served as principal for 27 years, retiring in 1978. He also owned Miller Painting and Woodworking at Turin, Iowa.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Onawa. His hobbies included sports, hunting, woodworking, and antiques, working in the yard, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen of Turin; 2 sons, Steve of Sloan, Iowa, and Denny and his wife, Karen of Sioux City; 4 grandchildren, Juli Miller and her fiancé Brian Ermer of Des Moines, Tom of Sioux City, Chad and Bobbie Jo of Houston, Texas, and Matt of Sloan; 1 brother Gerald of Des Moines; and 1 sister and her husband, Phyllis and Shirley Skidmore of Whiting.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Roger and Adley; and 2 sisters-in-law, Esther and Willmina Miller.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 1999, at the First Christian Church in Onawa, Iowa, with Pastor Donald R. Ludwick officiating.

The organist, Mrs. Jack Jordan, accompanied a duet, Dr. Emery and Sharon Killian, in the selections, "Because He Lives" and "One Day At A Time".

Honorary Bearers were Gordon Fett, Russ McCall, Kenny Kansen, Jim Hess, Juhl Hansen, Troy Johnston, Kirby Norman, Stan Hansen and Walt Dunlop.

Casket Bearers were Chad Miller, Juli Miller, Matt Miller, Brian Ermer, Tom Miller and Jeff Thelander.

Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery at Onawa, Iowa, with Military Rites by Monona County V.F.W. Post 2694, Onawa, Logan Butcher, Commander.