Ralph L. Miller, age 88, of Marengo, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Marengo Memorial Hospital.  Private graveside services were held Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Marengo Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Marengo American Legion Post #76. Memorials may be directed to the Marengo American Legion or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo was in charge of arrangements.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlene; a son Gary and wife Joan of Dubuque, a daughter Mary Miller of Milwaukee, WI; two step grandchildren, Chad Hefel (Kristie) of Grimes and Katie Ramnath (Erik) of Cave Creek, AZ; two step great-grandchildren, Weston and Eva Hefel; two brothers, Herbert of Marengo and George of Mission, Texas; and a sister Mae Miller of Marengo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Alice, Evelyn, and Mary Miller, and Katherine Zerrien, and three brothers, Lester, Marvin and Harold.

Ralph Leslie Miller was born October 1, 1923 in Iowa County, Iowa, the son of Leslie and Edna Wyant Miller.  He graduated from Hilton Consolidated High School in 1942. Ralph was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 14, 1944. His basic training was at Camp Walters, TX. Upon completion he went to the Philippines as an Infantry Replacement. During his overseas duty he was awarded the Purple Heart and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze clasp. He also received the Good Conduct Ribbon Award. Upon returning from the Army Ralph farmed in the Marengo area.  Ralph married Marlene H. Pretz on March 10, 1954 in Marengo. Ralph was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo and the Marengo American Legion Post #76. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Marengo Memorial Hospital and Rose Haven Nursing Home for the wonderful care given to Ralph during his declining health.