Marvin A. Miller, 100, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Sherrill, Iowa, passed away on July 11, 2026, at Bethany Home in Dubuque surrounded by his family.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. A private funeral will be held on a later date.

Marvin was born on May 13, 1926, the son of Benjamin and Esther (Hammerand) Miller. He grew up on a farm in Sherrill and received his education at the Riverside School through eighth grade where he first learned English, as German was spoken at home. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1943 and was awarded a full ride scholarship to the University of Platteville for engineering. Although he could not attend, he was always an engineer at heart.

Marvin met Eileen Jecklin at a New Years Eve party on December 31, 1947. They married on August 22, 1950, at the Sherrill United Methodist Church with his brother Melvin presiding. Marvin and his father-in-law Alvin Jecklin worked together to build their first home, where they lived until they moved to their dairy farm in March of 1954. Marvin loved life on the farm, where he and Eileen made a life together, and raised their daughters. In addition to farming, Marvin also owned a bulk tank trucking business that supplied milk from farms to Hilldale Dairy and later worked as an insurance adjuster for Sherrill Mutual Insurance.

Marvin considered his best job to be farming and was committed to being a good steward of the land. He practiced crop rotation, minimal use of chemicals, and was recognized for the implementation of contoured strip cropping to fight erosion. Marvin believed nature’s bounty was a gift from God, and nothing should go to waste. He enjoyed making maple syrup and homemade wine, and he and Eileen were famous for their pickled beets, jams, and jellies.

Marvin was known for his strong work ethic, intellect, sense of humor and ability to tell a good story. Marvin loved his family and friends and over the years he and Eileen hosted countless gatherings in their home. He enjoyed playing euchre, attending auctions and fishing trips with many friends and neighbors.

Marvin also loved his church and community. He was an active member of the Sherrill United Methodist Church for 100 years, dating back to the days the service was in German. He served on multiple committees and was instrumental in starting what became the annual Lord’s Acre Sale, for which he received an award for 50 years of service and dedication. After retirement he became involved in Camp Albrecht Acres where he served on the board of directors for over 30 years. Most days he was doing something that involved the camp. He was inducted into the Albrecht Acres Hall of Fame as a charter member. He and Eileen received a special Hall of Fame “Couples Award” for their dedicated decades of service.

Marvin was preceded in death by Eileen, his loving wife of 75 years; parents Ben and Esther Miller; in-laws Alvin and Irene Jecklin; brothers Melvin Miller and Elmer Miller; brothers-in-law Delmar Jecklin and Daryl Griffith; sister-in-law Ruth Miller; niece Carolyn (Miller) Schultz; and nephew Larry Miller.

Marvin will forever remain in the hearts of his daughters Diane (Rich) Jackson of Shoreview, MN, Marlene (Bill) Slough of Urbana, IL, and Karen (Joe) Gonzalez of Dubuque, IA; grandchildren Jennifer Jackson, Rachel (Colin) Slough Johnson, Dan (Susan) Gonzalez, Nina Gonzalez, and Andrew (Erica) Gonzalez; great grandchildren Luis and Victor Gonzalez and Marvin and Violet Gonzalez; his sister Twila Griffith; sisters-in-law Pat Miller and Sally Jecklin; and brother-in-law Gerald Jecklin; along with many nieces and nephews. Two great grandsons carry on his name.

The twinkle in his blue eyes may be gone, but his legacy will live on with those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, per Marvin’s request please consider a donation to the Sherrill Cemetery Association or the Camp Albrecht Acres Foundation in care of Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA 52003.

The family wants to thank the staff at Bethany Home for their compassionate care of Marvin.