David L. Miller

David L. Miller of West Des Moines, IA, Sanibel, FL, and Nisswa, MN, beloved husband and father passed away peacefully November 21, 2021 at Grand Living Memory Care in West Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 89.
Dave was born in 1932 to Leo and Mary Bernadine Miller. He grew up in Davenport, Iowa where he met his wife Joan. They were married in 1953 while Dave was attending the University of Iowa. He graduated in 1954 with a degree in Business Administration and moved back to Davenport where Dave worked at a local bank. He later took a job as a bank examiner and moved his young family to Des Moines in 1959. In 1961 he joined West Des Moines State Bank where he became president in 1968. Dave continued at West Bank, which grew under his guidance to become a leading small business lender in the country. Not bad for a man who got a D in his college banking course! He retired in 2003 to spend more time with family enjoying his favorite sports of golfing and fishing on Sanibel and in Minnesota.
Dave loved the Des Moines and West Des Moines communities and was an advocate for both. He believed in buying local and supporting the community. As a mover and shaker who believed no matter how good you do you can always do better, he was instrumental in growing both cities. He was a founding member of both the Des Moines and West Des Moines Development Corporations and recruited many businesses to the area. He was the first suburban leader to serve on the board of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitor Bureau. He served as the chair of the local Chambers and was active on the boards of many organizations including Mercy Medical Center, Drake University, West Des Moines and Dowling High Schools, The Des Moines Civic Center and many others. He has received numerous awards including being named to the Iowa business Hall of Fame in 2008.
Faith and family were important to Dave. He made sure his children received a good Catholic education, sending them to Catholic grade schools and Dowling High School. He modeled for them the Christian value of service to others. He taught his children and grandkids financial wisdom, the importance of living below your means, generosity and most importantly commitment to family. He cherished his role as Grampa Dave and enjoyed sharing his passion for golf, fishing and swimming with them all.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo, and his son Matt. He is survived by his spouse, Joan Miller of West Des Moines and his children Audrey (Steve) Masimore, Steve (Karinne) Miller, Sandra Miller (wife of Matt), Larry (Sharon) Miller and Mary Ann (Joel) Goodman. He also left behind 12 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
A funeral service will be held Monday December 6 at 12:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with a gathering afterwards at Glen Oaks Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers the family requests any contributions be made to the David Miller Endowment Fund at Dowling High School, Pancreatic Action Network, or the Alzheimer's Association.
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