Marlene Lois Miller

Marlene Lois (Spieker) Miller, 71, of Anita, IA passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, at UNMC in Omaha, NE.

Marlene was the daughter of Morris and Lucille (Eden) Spieker of Massena, IA. She was born July 14, 1953, in Greenfield, IA. She attended school in and graduated in 1971 from Massena. Marlene went on to attend Iowa State University earning a degree in home economics. She had several jobs throughout the years including bookkeeping, substitute teaching, and school cook. Later, she became a homemaker and devoted her time to raising her four boys.

On August 29, 1976, she was united in marriage to Dan Miller at First Lutheran Church in Wiota, IA. They made their home south of Anita. They were blessed with four sons, Justin, Grant, Kelly, and Spenser. Marlene worked hard on the farm helping Dan to raise livestock and manage finances. She loved tending to her immense flower garden and vegetable patch. She took great pride in canning her produce. Marlene was a longtime volunteer and leader in the Cass County 4-H program specifically in Cow Pokes. She took care in raising and showing paint horses most of her life. Marlene taught Sunday School and was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Wiota, IA for many years. It was at First Lutheran that she met her future husband.

She was known far and wide for her love of flowers and horses. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her sons and their families. Camping was one of her favorite activities. Dan and Marlene recently returned from an Alaskan cruise. Horseback riding was by far her favorite pastime. Her greatest joy was when all her family was together.
She is survived by her husband Dan, sons, Justin (Jill), Grant (Katie), Kelly (Megan), and Spenser (Chance); grandchildren, Owen, Macy, Garrett, Gavin, Mollie, and Bennett; her brother Walt Spieker; sister-in-law Charlotte (Bill) Riggs; nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her twin brothers who died in infancy; parents Morris and Lucille Spieker; sister Marilyn and mother and father-in-law Earl and Aletha Miller.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church in Wiota, IA with Reverend Mike Bodkins officiating. Burial will follow the service at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Wiota, IA

The family will be present for visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita is caring for the Miller family at this time.