Irene Evelyn Miller

Irene Evelyn Miller, 95, of Oelwein passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 at Arlington Place in Oelwein, surrounded by her loving family.

Irene Lauterbach was born on January 5, 1926 in Rural Grundy County, the daughter of Brunk and Minnie (Berends) Lauterbach. Irene graduated from Dike High School in 1944, and then obtained her teaching certification which led to a short teaching career.

On April 10, 1946, Irene was united in marriage to Ben J. Miller at the Pleasant Valley Reformed Church. Irene and Ben enjoyed working on their farm in rural Holland where they raised their only daughter, Dorris (Dea). Irene was a member of Pleasant Valley Reformed Church where she was actively involved serving and attending Sunday school. Through the unexpected losses of her husband Ben in 1982, and her daughter Dea Nelson in 2005, Irene always showed her deepest love for her family. Her one daughter, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

In her retirement, Irene enjoyed traveling with her sisters, daughter, and grandchildren. Irene took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens and enjoyed teaching her family how to can and preserve produce. You could always find Irene sharing an interesting newspaper article or a family picture with those she loved. She will be remembered by how she served others and shared Christ’s love through her cooking, baking, and crocheting. Every family member has their own special blanket that Irene personally crocheted for them to show just how special her family was to her heart.

Left to cherish Irene’s memory include her sister: Darlene Overman of Rhoads, Iowa, grandchildren: Susan (Andy) Cripe of Syracuse, Indiana, Brent (Liz) Tapper of Oelwein, and Mlyea Nelson (Nathan Jarrett) of Eldridge, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Taylor, Dane, Hudson, Tate, Ellie, Carlie, Sophia and Nathan Jarrett.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents: Brunk and Minnie Lauterbach; husband: Ben J. Miller as well as two sisters: Matilda Johnson of Allison, and Virginia Miller of Dumont.

A public outdoor celebration of Irene was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center with the Rev. Dave Byrd officiating the service. Memorial contributions may be directed in Irene’s name to her family which will later be designated elsewhere. For further information or to leave a condolences, please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com or call 319-989-2045. Engelkes Abels Funeral Chapel is caring for Irene and her family.