Lester G. Miller's Obituary
Lester G. Miller, 94, of Millstadt, IL was born on July 8, 1921 in Millstadt passed away on July 25, 2015 at Dammert Geriatric Center in Belleville.
Lester was born, raised and lived his life in Millstadt. A descendant of the German founding fathers of the Village of Millstadt, his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles helped lay the foundation for the town and services along with structure for the E&R United Church of Christ Church.
Growing up, Lester worked the family farm that dated back to the 1840’s. Early as a farmer, the Millers maintained a weekly produce stand at the Soulard Market in St. Louis. Lester and his wife Dorothy (nee-Dinges of Belleville) were married in 1943, continued farming and began raising a family. Loving and working together for 72 years, they managed the farm while always being a part of the community. Moving to town in 1955, the Millers bought their first and only home, raising and educating their five children. While continuing to farm, Lester began working in industry becoming a certified millwright and welder. In the 1960’s he joined the United Mine Workers of America as a welder at Peabody Coal Company Midwest Mine. Working through many levels he was promoted to supervision for the company. He was Superintendent of the River King Coal Preparation Plant in Freeburg, IL from which he retired after 25 years of service.
Over the years Lester was a dedicated Mason at the Columbia Lodge #474 (54 yrs.), The Scottish Rite of Belleville (54 yrs.), Ainad Shrine Temple (53 yrs.) and the Royal Order of the Jesters Court #86. Lester marched with the Ainad Brass Band for over 30 years in support of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Lester and his wife have enjoyed many fond memories of Shrine fellowship and travel to The Great Lakes Shrine Conventions over the years.
In retirement, Lester and Dorothy returned to their passion for growing. As members of the Greater St. Louis Dahlia Society, Lester and his wife became champion growers winning many prestigious awards around the country. Together they propagated a yellow hue dahlia they named the Autay Chipper. Annually they maintained more than 100+ varieties of and 300 dahlia plants at their residence.
Lester was a charter member of the Millstadt Sister Cities Organization. Lester and Dorothy traveled to Gros-Bieberau in Hesse, Germany many times over the years to help foster and solidify the relationship. In support of the proclamation between the two cities, Lester was acting Mayor of Millstadt in 2000 to sign the accord while in Germany. He especially enjoyed interacting with his friends in Germany as he was exceptionally fluent in the German language due to his Millstadt heritage.
Lester was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents George W. and Viola C., nee-Jacobus, Miller and his son-in-law George H. Jenkins.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy J., nee-Dinges, Miller wife of 72 years, married March 31, 1943 in Clayton, MO; four daughters, Joyce (Charles) Ehr of Dallas, TX, Carolyn Jenkins of Palos Heights, IL, Marsha (Robert) Hoffmeister of The Woodlands, TX, Vicki (Bruce) Ellis of Huntersville, NC and one son Douglas (Sherry) Miller of Elon, NC; nine grandsons, John Ehr of Cypress, TX, Mark (Jennifer) Ehr of Waxahachie, TX, Daniel (Kimberly) Ehr of Pflugerville, TX, Grant (Cyndi) Hoffmeister of Denver, CO, Tyler Hoffmeister of Houston, TX, Austin and Taylor Ellis of Huntersville, NC, Charles Miller of Nashville, TN, Philip Miller of Elon, NC; one great granddaughter Amanda Ehr of Cypress, TX; three great grandsons Logan Ehr of Waxahachie, TX, Kingston and Greyson Ehr of Pflugerville, TX; his brother Wilbur H. Miller of Millstadt, IL and other friends and relatives.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Floraville, IL.
Special thanks to Dr. Amy Rohlfing and her staff for their care and support.
The family would like to acknowledge Dammert Geriatric Center and staff for the special care given to our loved one.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Floraville, IL.
Visitation: Friends may call from 3-8 PM Wednesday July 29, 2015 and 10-11 AM Thursday at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL. Masonic service will be at 7 PM Wednesday.
Funeral: A service will be held at 11 AM at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home with Rev. Matt Fritz officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Evergreen Cemetery Millstadt.
What’s your fondest memory of Lester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lester?
Share a story where Lester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lester you’ll never forget.
How did Lester make you smile?
