Michael Treft Miller, age 70, of Ute, IA, formerly of Odebolt, IA, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017, in the ER at Burgess Health Center, Onawa, IA.
Michael was born on March 5, 1947, in Ida Grove, IA, to Myron and Elnora (Treft) Miller. He lived on a farm north of Kiron as he was growing up and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School with the class of 1966. Following graduation he was inducted into the United States Navy serving in the Seabees, from January 19, 1969 through December 17, 1973 when he transferred to the Naval Reserve. The Seabees moto is “We Build – We Fight”. He earned the rank of SW3 when he was honorably discharged.
Michael farmed for several years before starting his own business, MilFAB, a blacksmithing and metal fabrication business. He retired in 2012 which allowed him to begin his favorite hobby, taking motorcycle trips around the country. He worked part-time for the coop during their busy season, spring and fall, and enjoyed cutting and splitting wood. He took an interest in maintaining an old cemetery that was near his home and would spend many hours cleaning and fixing it up. He was an active member of the Soldier Valley Chapter American Legion Riders Post 66 and Charter Oak American Legion. He will be missed by many who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his children: April Roeder of Odebolt and Wendy (Rusty) Cummins of Seattle, WA; step-children: Heidi (Ryan) Crawford of Manning and Heath (Amy) Winsor of Onawa; grandchildren: Hayden and Hannah Roeder; Caine Kinnetz, Masey (Nick) Jordan, and Anthony Dow; step-grandchildren: Katelyn and Tanner Crawford; and Patience Winsor; special friend Deb Potts of Denison; his brothers: Jimmy (Marilyn) Miller of St. Charles, MO, Merle (Deb) Miller of Odebolt, and Kyle (Vickie) Miller of Kiron, IA; his sisters: Jeannine (Ken) Lamb of Olsburg, KS and Hazel (Dave) Peterson of Zearing, IA; sister-in-law Janie Miller of Kiron; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and brother Walter.