Marilyn Miller

Marilyn Miller, 80, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Monday, June 21, 2021, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic.

Marilyn Kay was born on November 12, 1940, in Atlantic, Iowa, the only daughter of Clarence “Bud” and Christine Emelia (Pedersen) Miller. She grew up on the family farm, attended Washington Country School #4, and graduated from Lewis High School in 1958. Following graduation, after encouragement from a high school teacher, she entered the journalism program at Iowa State University, and in 1962, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

While in college she was united in marriage to Robert Brake on December 21, 1961, at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. The couple was blessed with son, David Miller Brake on July 26, 1965. The couple lived in various places, and following graduation, she began working as a Home Economic Editor for the Michigan Farmer Magazine in Lansing, MI. As Marilyn looked back through all of her years of journalism work, this job was her favorite.

Marilyn was united in marriage to James Leo Kenney on May 14, 1977, in Des Moines, Iowa. While living in Des Moines Marilyn worked as the senior writer in the communications department at Dial Financial Corporation headquarters in Des Moines, writer in the public information department at Iowa Department of Social Services, and served as President of Fundware, a software package program for non-profits. The couple also lived in Montreal, Quebec. Marilyn and Jim moved from Des Moines to the Miller family farm near Lewis in the early 90’s. She remained living there until 2004, when she moved in with her mother, Christine in Atlantic. In addition to caring for her mother she worked at VP Insight Systems in Atlantic, as registrar for the Danish Immigrant Museum from 1998-2001, and as managing editor for the Griswold American. In 2006, she worked as a freelance writer and also enjoyed her numerous volunteer opportunities. She loved giving back to the community while giving her time in Kiwanis, Fine Arts Council, and the Cass County Sesquicentennial Committee.

Through her volunteer work at Kiwanis, she began a friendship with Dennis Butler, and later realized they were a possible match on a dating website. After a few emails back and forth and Marilyn saying, “It seems they think we are a good match,” Dennis emailed back saying, “Yes! I’ve been thinking that for a long time!” The couple married on October 25, 2008, at the Lewis United Congregational Methodist Church. Dennis was the love of her life and they brought each other great joy and happiness until Dennis’ passing in November of 2014.

Marilyn is survived by her son, David of Concord, California; step-children that include, Sara, Melissa, Karen, Kathy, Kristin, James Jr., and Niki; step-grandchildren; special cousins; Jim and Linn Headlee of Atlantic, Iowa; cousin, Dennis Reed of Des Moines, Iowa; and many extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Christine Miller; husband, Dennis; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the Lewis United Congregational Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.

Memorials may be made to the Lewis United Congregational Methodist Church and the Atlantic Kiwanis Club.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Marilyn’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

In Loving Memory of
Marilyn Miller

BORN
November 12, 1940 ~ Atlantic, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
June 21, 2021 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 80 years, 7 months & 9 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021
United Congregational Methodist Church ~ Lewis, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Jerry Neal

MUSICIANS
Randall Breckerbaumer
Kelsie Schmidt
Haley Schmidt

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Ave Maria”
“Will the Circle Go Unbroken”
“Find Us Faithful” #497 by the Congregation
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

CASKET BEARERS
David Brake
Roger Carlon
Ray Armstrong
Gary Wiechmann

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Dennis Reed
Jim Headlee
Atlantic Kiwanis Club

INTERMENT
Oakwood Cemetery ~ Lewis, Iowa

SPECIAL MUSIC
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” recorded by Judy Garland

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for lunch
in the church fellowship hall following the committal service.

Memorials may be given to the United Congregational Methodist Church and the Atlantic Kiwanis Club.