Miller, Louis J. (1873-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Mar 31 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Mar 15

text of obituary:

LOUIS J. MILLER

Louis J. Miller, son of Jacob B. and Catherine (Shetler) Miller, was born in Johnson county, Iowa March 15, 1873, and passed away March 16, 1949, at Sarasota, Florida. His sudden death was caused by a heart attack. Although apparently well and enjoying to the full various interests in life, he endured a cardiac ailment for the last nine years.

On December 5, 1895, he was married to Sarah Stutsman of Sharon Center, Iowa, who survives him. Together they had enjoyed their golden wedding anniversary with relatives and friends, including the four wedding attendants.

Also surviving are his daughter Erma (Mrs. Jacob L. Erb) of Wellman, and two sons, Dr. Glen R. of Goshen, Indiana, a member of the Goshen college faculty, and Dr. L. Wallace of Normal, Illinois, member of the State Normal faculty; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, all of whom were present at the funeral except one great grandson.

Also the following brothers and sisters survive: Barbara (Mrs. Daniel J. Boller), Katie (Mrs. Ananias Kinsinger), George J., Mary (Mrs. G. G. Marner), and Erwin J. of Prosser, Washington.

As his father before him, he was a farmer and cabinet maker, with a number of avocations such as fruit culture and caring for bees. As a cabinet maker, his father Jacob B. Miller made and sold over 300 coffins out of native walnut, cherry and oak wood beginning in the pioneer days. He was assisted later by his son Louis, who upon his father’s death took over the shop and made over 150 coffins. In the past few years he discontinued coffins and devoted his efforts to cabinet work, making corner cupboards, drop leaf tables, and knee hole desks.

In early youth he accepted Christ as his Savior, remaining a faithful member of the Mennonite church until his death.

Services were held at Sarasota, Florida on March 17, conducted by T. H. Brenneman. Music was furnished by the Bayshore Mennonite Radio Octet to which the Millers enjoyed listening each Sunday.

A nephew, Myron S. Yoder, accompanied Mrs. Miller home. At Chicago they were met by the sons Glen and Wallace Miller and Jacob Erb.

Final services were held at the Lower Deer Creek church on March 20 in charge of Bishop John Y. Swartzendruber, assisted by Joe L. Hershberger and Dr. Fred S. Brenneman of Hesston, Kansas, with the closing prayer by Bishop D. J. Fisher. Burial was held in the cemetery nearby.

Coming from a distance to attend the funeral services were his brother George J., Mr. and Mrs. George Miller Jr., and daughter Diane of Clarion, Mr. and Mrs. Marion F. Erb, Mrs. Frank Kile, and the Wayne Erb family of Elkhart, Indiana; Walter Erb and son Danny of South Bend, Indiana: Dr. and Mrs. Sanford C. Yoder and Dr. and Mrs. Carl Hostetler and family of Goshen, Indiana.

Myron S. Yoder of Sarasta, Florida; Titus, Joe and Dr. Fred Brenneman and son Franklin of Hesston, Kansas, Mrs. Gertrue[sic Gertrude] Nicola, Clinton, Iowa; Barbara Boller, Dr. and Mrs. E. E. Stutsman and son Don of Washington; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Yoder and family of Goshen, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. George Boller and son Eric, Mrs. Waldo Boller and Emery Eigsti of Wayland, and the grandchildren John Keith and Jerrold Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Roman Gingerich and family of Goshen, James and Janet Miller of Normal, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Liechty and family of Archbold, Ohio, and Dr. and Mrs. Galen R. Miller and Marla Marice of Canton, Ohio.