White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Stephen "Steve" Leo Miller, 88 years old, of Independence, IA, passed away from natural causes, Friday, September 13, 2024, at his home in Independence.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, IA. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at White Funeral Home in Independence, and will continue for an hour before services, Thursday, at the church.

Steve was born November 27, 1935, in Independence, IA, the son of Leo A. Miller and Marguerite E. (McClintick) Miller. He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1954. On September 1, 1957, Steve was united in marriage to Virginia Mae McRoberts of Waterloo, IA. The couple made their home in the city of Independence until Steve, driven by a passion for farming, decided to pursue a life in agriculture. With minimal experience but a strong will to learn, Steve and Virginia moved to an acreage in Westburg Township, where they began their farming journey. They later moved to a farm in Sumner Township in rural Buchanan County, where they raised a diverse array of animals, including cattle, buffalo, horses, and even a llama. Their dairy farming enterprise lasted over 20 years, and Steve continued farming and raising Angus beef cattle for an additional 31 years until his passing.  While living on the farm, Steve and Virginia built their dream home, a place where they made countless cherished memories.

Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit extended well beyond farming. After the death of his father, he purchased his parents' business, Miller Printerie, and later founded Steve Miller Quarry in the late 1970s. Steve’s determination and hard work led to the success of both ventures.

Steve was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and had a wide range of interests.  He loved to fish and really looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Minnesota with family and friends. He was an avid card player and cherished time spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren and his beloved dog, Spice.

Steve is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Miller of Independence, IA; his four children, Kimberly (Patrick) Mahoney, Kurt (Deb) Miller, Kraig Miller, Kelly (Rick) Norris all of Independence, IA; seven grandchildren, Nick (Lisa) Mahoney, Jennifer (Adam) Hunemuller, Abby (Luke) Miller, Alek Norris, Seth Miller, Anna Miller, and Brittney (Tyler) Gunderson; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Doug Miller of Independence, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandson, Connor Miller.

Memorials will be directed to The First United Methodist Church and Cedar Valley Hospice.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.