Ray MILLER

MILLER, DANTZIGER, GIES, APPLER, JORDAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/4/2015 at 15:34:03

January 31, 1946 --- April 2, 2005

Ray Miller, age 59, of Centerville, Iowa, died Thursday, April 21, 2005, at his home in Centerville, Iowa. He was born the son of the late Walter Raymond Miller, Sr. and the late Charlotte (Dantziger) Miller on January 31, 1946 in Flushing, New York. In 1963, he graduated from Uniondale High School in Uniondale, New York. On January 15, 1966, Ray was united in marriage to Linda Gies in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Ray received his B.S. Degree at Iowa Wesleyan in 1967 and received his Master's Degree in Administrative Education at Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, Missouri in 1969. He taught at New Hartford High School in New Hartford, Iowa and coached football from 1967 to 1969. He taught at Clarion High School in Clarion, Iowa and was a wrestling coach from 1969-1973. From 1973-1979, he taught at Newell High School in Newell, Iowa and coached football and golf. He moved to Centerville in 1979 to serve as Associate High School Principal. He later served as Athletic Director and became High School Principal in 1995 until his retirement in 2005. Ray was the promoting force behind the new science lab at Centerville High School. Ray was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa. He was a member of the Centerville Rotary Club. He served on the New Focus Board in Centerville, Iowa. He was a founder of the Des Moines Register All State Academic Team and co-founded Family Connections in Centerville. He was a charter member of the Education Association of Iowa.

Ray's favorite moments were spent with his family. He loved to talk and advise his children and spoil his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and a loyal Hawkeye fan--and a patient Cub fan. His philosophy as an administrator and educator was that the purpose of school was the students--what was best for the students.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by: his wife, Linda Miller, of Centerville, Iowa; daughter Jennifer Appler and her husband, Brad, of Centerville, Iowa; son Mike Miller and his wife, Tracy, of Centerville, Iowa; grandchildren Joe and Kaitlyn Appler; Anna and Emily Jordan, and Kennedy Miller, all of Centerville, Iowa; and sister Karen Miller of Dallas, Texas.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Monday, April 25, 2005, at 4:30 P.M. at the Simon Estes Auditorium in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Dianne Christopher officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2005, from 1:00 till 8:00 P.M. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with the family present from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Centerville High School Athletic Department, or Hospice of Central Iowa and can be left at or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home at 501 North 18th Street in Centerville, Iowa 52544.

http://www.schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com/fh/print.cfm?type=obituary&o_id=427522&fh_id=12112