Richard W. Miller

Richard W. "Rich" Miller, 75, of Kalona, passed from this life on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, after suffering a stroke. He has been cremated, and a memorial celebration of his life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Kalona United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be directed to the Kalona Golf Club or Pleasantview in Kalona. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Richard W. Miller was born June 7, 1950, in Washington, IA. He was the son of Ralph and Mary Ellen Miller. After graduating from IMS (Hillcrest Academy) he attended colleges in Virginia, Kansas and got a degree in German from the University of Iowa. He spent some time working in Germany. Rich will be missed by the Early Bird golf group and by his team in the Kalona Golf Club Men’s League. He loved golf and played as often as he could. Music by a variety of genres, Greg Brown and John Prine were a few favorites! He even sang his first karaoke at his younger brother’s birthday party in October.

In his younger years, Rich worked with hackney horses taking them to state fairs. He co-owned a restaurant in Kansas as well as owning and operating The Parlor in Kalona and working as a cook at Pleasantview. This showcased his great talent in the food services industry. Rich also co-owned Roots & Wings Montessori Kids House with his wife. Other interests include playing scrabble (which he often won), taking rides in the Iowa rolling countryside, and in the morning, he could be found with his coffee cup catching up on the news with a group of men at J. W’s, and family which he loved dearly!! Uncle Rich, and Papa Rich were terms of endearment for him! He had a huge heart for family and friends!

In 1991 he married Brenda Reece, at Grout Church in Kalona Historical Village. They met in kindergarten and have been married 34 years, making Kalona their home.

Rich is survived by wife Brenda Miller, sister and husband Margaret & Lynn Williams Lakewood, CO, niece Dana Williams & husband Tim Hosman, great-niece Grace Hosman of Centennial, CO. Brother and wife Doug & Bev Miller, nephew Justin & Melissa Miller and great nephews Wesley Bolton & Major Miller and great niece Xofia Miller all of Allen, TX and niece Jessica Schumack & partner Jason Wood and great nephew Andrew Schumack, great nieces Haley Schumack and Scarlett Wood all of Kyle, TX and niece Jackie & Jon Arnell and great nephew Lucas Arnell of Allen, TX. As well as many cousins!

Preceding Rich in death are his parents and a great nephew Levi Justin Miller.