Obituary of Raymond Miller

Raymond “Bud” Miller, 75 of rural Oxford died at his home, Monday, August 1, 2011, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford with his longtime friend, Reverend Edmond Dunn officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery near Oxford. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church where a parish vigil service will begin at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bud’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Iowa City Hospice. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Raymond was born January 16, 1936, in Iowa City the son of D. Loraine and Lily (Campbell) Miller. He attended schools in the Oxford area, graduating from Oxford High School with the class of 1954. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served two years, one year with the Honor Guard in Washington D.C. Returning to Oxford following his discharge he was united in marriage to Leanne Marie Mahoney on April 12, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He began a career with Western Fraternal Life Association in 1962 as a Salesman, Bud continued with this company working his way to the top as President and CEO in 1987, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. He was active in so many things over the years, not only professionally, but in his community, and with his family. Some of these include, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clear Creek Amana School Board, Member of the Board with First Trust and Saving Bank of Oxford, Knights of Columbus, and many more over the years. Those who knew Bud knew his passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clear Creek Amana sports, especially whenever any of his kids or grandkids were involved! He enjoyed his craftsmanship ability working with wood, appreciated a good golf swing, and tenderly caring for his “Ponderosa” on his tractor. But most dear to his heart, was his family who he loved so much as they loved him, as husband, dad and grandpa! His family includes his wife, Leanne; children, Kathy Miller (Randy Ward) of Iowa City; Mike Miller (Lyn) of Oxford; Susan Sax (Mike) of Oxford; and Terry Miller of Tiffin; daughter-in-law, Lyn Miller of Oxford; grandchildren, Clay, Carly, and Cal Miller; Jaime Boltz (Robert) and Zack Trachta; great-grandchildren, Olivia Trachta and Brooklyn Boltz; sisters, Rose Kennedy (Jim) of Fairfield, IA; and Marilyn Thompson (John) of Parker, CO; his sister-in-law, Bev Mahoney of Oxford; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, Clayton “Slick” Mahoney and Ted Mahoney. Bud’s family would like to thank the many staff, nurses, and doctors who have cared for Bud and our family over the years at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Also would like to thank all the good souls of Iowa City Hospice for their compassionate care of Bud, especially one of his favorites, Mary Schropp!