Larry F Miller

1940 - 2025

Larry F. Miller, 84 of Oelwein, Iowa passed away peacefully at his home on Monday evening, October 20, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Following his wishes, he has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held for Larry on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Oelwein American Legion and also a celebration to be announced later in Largo, Florida.
Larry was born November 4, 1940, in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Katherine (Swarts) Miller. Larry was united in marriage to Marcia Kay Haught on July 10, 1961 in Oelwein. The couple were blessed with a daughter, Junesse and a son, Troy. Larry and Marcia lived in the Oelwein area their entire life and also had a residence in Largo Florida. Marcia preceded him in death on July 12, 2004.
After graduating from Oelwein Community High School in 1959, Larry began his career at the Oelwein Body Shop and later worked for the Chicago Great Western Railway. He also spent time as an assembler at John Deere in Waterloo before joining the Oelwein Fire Department as a full-time firefighter in 1968. He retired with the rank of lieutenant in 1996, with 28 years of service, and continued for many years as a support volunteer. An entrepreneur at heart, he also owned and operated his own Tree Service and Auction Company, building a wide circle of friends throughout the community. Larry was a good steward of the land and a conservationist. He spent many hours planting trees and increasing habitat for wildlife. He was always busy, tinkering on some project and possessed the uncanny ability to fix just about anything.
Spending winters in Florida was something Larry always looked forward to. He was eager to see his family, friends, and neighbors in the Caribbean Isles Park in Largo, the place where he resided. At many social gatherings, Larry would often get things going by bringing out a round of Spirits and toasting everyone with a hearty "Cheers!" Larry had a passion for flea markets, always in search of a bargain or something unusual. In most cases, he would bring something back home. Always wanting to stay busy, he helped out his friends at their boat salvage business. The work was a perfect fit for his skills. When the weather was nice, Larry was always ready to get his convertible top down. He loved to take a drive along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. He truly enjoyed the simple things of life.
Larry was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Oelwein. He was a wonderful father, an incredible man, and a beloved person to all. He will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marcia Miller; and sister, Mary Kay Miller.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Junesse (James) Peek, of Largo, FL; his son, Troy, of Trenton, FL; his granddaughter, Jenni (Chad) Roth, and great-granddaughters, Harper and Hannah, of Independence, IA; his step grandsons, Jason Peek, of Escondido, CA; Derek Peek, of West Point, VA; his two brothers, Steve (Janeen) Miller, of Iowa City, IA; Fred Miller, of Independence, IA; his sister, Kathleen Carter, of Largo, FL; his sisters-in-laws, Linda (Dean) Heins, of Jesup, IA; Sharon Roling, of Gulf Shores, AL; his brother-in-law, Harold Parker, of Largo, FL; and special close friend, Mary Nehl, of Hazleton, IA.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the hospice care team for their compassion and support during Larry's final days.
Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or charity of choice in memory of Larry.