Merlynn “Sam” A. Miller
Sheldon, Iowa
Merlynn “Sam” Albert Miller, age 93, of Sheldon, Iowa passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at his residence in Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon, Iowa. A Private Family Funeral Service will be on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sheldon, Iowa with Fr. Siby Punnoose ~ officiating.
Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sheldon, Iowa. With Military Flag
Presentation by the McGlothlen-Cowie Post #145 of the American Legion.
"Sam was always about giving back to others. In place of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to Love, Inc., St. Patrick's, Village Northwest Unlimited or completing a Random Act of Kindness in his memory.” "Aspire to inspire and your life will become rich with meaning and the legacy you leave behind will be greater than you can ever imagine."
Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home – Sheldon.
Online condolences may be made to the Family at www.vanderploegfunerals.com
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MERLYNN “SAM” A. MILLER
BORN: August 31, 1927 ~ Sheldon, Iowa
PASSED AWAY: March 14, 2021 ~ Sheldon, Iowa
PRIVATE FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICE
1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 20, 2021
St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery; Sheldon, Iowa
Father Siby Punnoose ~ officiating
HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
“The Grandchildren”
Jon Rensink Rachel Hight
Katy Pedersen Kyle Rensink
Joshua Miller Dustin Miller
FINAL RESTING PLACE
St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery ~ Sheldon, Iowa
Flag Presentation by:
McGlothlen-Cowie Post #145 of the American Legion
"Sam was always about giving back to others. In place of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to Love, Inc., St. Patrick's, Village Northwest Unlimited or completing a Random Act of Kindness in his memory.” "Aspire to inspire and your life will become rich with meaning and the legacy you leave behind will be greater than you can ever imagine."
Arrangements under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa
Merlynn “Sam” Albert Miller the son of Lester and Florence (Wilson) Miller was born August 31, 1927 in Sheldon, Iowa. He received education in Sheldon and received his diploma in a special ceremony in 2001. Sam joined the United States Navy and served during World War II, he enlisted on August 21, 1945 in Sioux City, IA and was discharged on August 16, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN with a rank of Seaman 1st Class. Sam returned to Sheldon where he met and was united to Mary “Pat” Patricia Toal on August 31, 1950 in Sutherland, Iowa. The couple made their home in Sheldon. Sam had worked for Neal Chase Lumber, the Soybean Plant, Moorman Feed (John Buysman). In 1968, he joined the Sheldon Police Department until 1980. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement from the USPS, Sam worked as a painter for the Village for several years. Sam passed away at his residence at Vista Prairie at Fieldcrest in Sheldon, Iowa on Sunday, March 14, 2021 reaching the age of 93 years 6 months and 14 days.
Sam was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was a 23-year member of the Sheldon Knights of Columbus. He served on the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years, the last 12 years as Chief. Sam belonged to a number of professional organizations including the Iowa Fire Association, where he served as a District Coordinator and the Iowa Association of Arson Investigators. Sam was a past Commander and lifetime member of the VFW and belonged to the American Legion, the Sheldon Morning Kiwanis, and the Eagles. He served as a Board Member for the Sheldon Historical Society.
Sam will be lovingly remembered by his children, David (Carey) Miller of Altoona, Iowa; daughters, Dianne Ruyter and Susan (Ron) Rensink both of Sheldon; 6 grandchildren, Jonathan Rensink, Rachel (Adam) Hight, Katy (Kyle) Pedersen, Kyle Rensink and (special friend, Katie Hamilton), Joshua (Candi) Miller and Dustin (Tiffany) Miller; 7 great-grandchildren, Bryan, Joshua, Jonathan Miller; Ryder Hight; Grace and Beau Pedersen and Emma and Ava Miller; 1 brother, Les (MarreyAnne) Miller of Texas; 2 sisters-in-law, JoAnn Miller of Fontana, CA; Ann Miller of Algona, IA and a brother-in-law, Larry Menke of Sioux City, IA; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his parents, 6 brothers, Kenneth, Doyle, Ronald, Roger, Archie, James Miller, and a sister, Donna Menke.