Charles Miller, 94

December. 28, 1931 - 

July 21, 2026

 

    Charles Harrison "Charlie" Miller, 94, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the Evans Home in Cresco. Born on December 28, 1931, in Cresco to Curtis and Helen (Burnham) Miller, Charlie spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved. 

   Charlie grew up on a farm outside of Cresco and graduated from Cresco High School in 1950. After completing his education, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1956. His service took him from basic training in Texas to Boston, Massachusetts. One of his fondest memories during this time was a photograph of his first wife, Marilyn, holding their baby daughter Julie on a beach in Boston—a cherished image that remained close to his heart. 

    Upon returning home from the Army, Charlie joined his brother Robert on the family farm. Farming was not just a livelihood but a way of life for Charlie and his family. On January 18, 1955, he married his first love, Marilyn Storli, and together they raised four children: Julie, Jeff, Dean and Laurie. The farm became a hub of hard work and life lessons for the Miller family. Though farming often brought its challenges—and some colorful language in the barn—it instilled a strong work ethic and resilience in his children. He and Marilyn had a love story that was epic and included smart comments and synchronized snoring on separate couches at night when their grandchildren stayed over. 

   After Marilyn's passing in 1996, Charlie found love again with Beverly Ann Bakken. They married on June 10, 2000, and shared many happy years together until her passing in 2021. Charlie and Beverly enjoyed traveling together, including winters spent snowbirding in Arizona. She stuck around even after she found out he reused paper plates and even placed one in the china hutch proudly on display. 

    Charlie’s faith was an integral part of his life. He was an active member of his Orleans Church community, serving on the church council and passing down his strong faith to his children and grandchildren. Sundays often found him sitting quietly in a pew—though staying quiet may not have come easily to someone as lively as Charlie. 

   A dedicated community member, Charlie also served as a township trustee and was a proud 50-year member of the American Legion. His commitment to service extended beyond official roles; he was known for bringing people together with his humor, charm, and infectious smile. 

Charlie’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Summers at Woman Lake Lodge and Wildcat Landing in Brownsville, Minnesota, were among his most treasured memories. Whether on the lake or river with loved ones or sharing laughter over stories with lifelong friends like the Linderbaums, Gardners, Iversons, Bergans, Vagts, or Houdeks—Charlie lived for these joyful gatherings. Conversations around the campfire-drink in hand- is where he passed on his best knowledge to his children, instilling the fact that “telling little white lies is okay”. Charlie’s spirit never waned; even in his later years at the Evans Home in Cresco, he charmed nurses with compliments and flirtatious humor, often making them blush. 

    He delighted in simple pleasures like cracking jokes with family or enjoying vanilla wafers brought by his daughter in-law Sue—always greeting her with a smile to check if she had his favorite treat. His quick wit and gentlemanly charm left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He bragged about his family to anyone who would listen and was so proud of all of them. Also adding in that “He started all of this”.

    Charlie is survived by his children: Jeff (Julie) Miller; Dean (Sue) Miller; Laurie (Steve) Fangman; and son-in-law Steve Linderbaum. He also leaves behind stepchildren Denise Bakken; Joni Bakken; Randy (Tammy) Bakken; Todd (Stacy) Bakken; seven step-grandchildren; and twelve step-great-grandchildren. His grandchildren include Kris Hovey; Jennie (Matt) Stortz; Heidi (Marty) Rice; Jeremy (Laura) Miller; Jenny (Aaron) Larson; Curtis Miller; Stephanie (Alex) Ollendieck; Jake (Kally) Miller; Sam Fangman; and Sarah Fangman. Great-grandchildren include Katelyn (Nathan), Kelsey and Luke Stortz; Brandi (Jesse) Heying; Megan (Jayce) Bohr; Jordan (Maddie) Miller; Kael and Karlee Miller; Parker, Collin and Addison Rice; Jett, Ace and Julia Larson; Jackson, Jason and Jalyssa Ollendieck; Jonesy, Ava, Morgan and Maya Miller. He was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren Charlie and Ada Heying and Aspen Bohr. 

   Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Helen Miller; siblings Robert Miller and Betty Hauser; both of his wives Marilyn Storli Miller and Beverly Ann Bakken Miller; daughter Julie Linderbaum; stepson Kim Bakken and great-great-granddaughter Mabel Bohr. 

   Charlie’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and connection. He taught those around him the value of hard work while reminding them not to take life too seriously. His sense of humor will live on through the countless stories shared by those who loved him. May we all carry forward Charlie’s playful spirit and zest for life as we remember him fondly. 

   Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church (745 County St. Ridgeway, IA). Friends may arrived at 9:30 AM for visitation on Saturday morning. Burial will take place in Cresco at Oak Lawn Cemetery. If you aren't able to attend services, please know your welcome to join the family in the afternoon at the Ridgeway Community Center for a Celebration of Life. Schmelzer Funeral Home is handling arrangements.