Miller, Delbert Ray

elbert Ray Miller, 76, of Marion, formerly of Des Moines, died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, following a sudden illness. A visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home in Des Moines, where funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4.

He is survived by Loretta, his wife of 57 years; daughters, Kelley Argenta (Geoffry Tollin) and Jan (Bruce) Copeland; grandsons, Brian Copeland and Steven Copeland; cousins, Donna (John), Harry (Sandy), Diane (Fred), Carol (Bob), Colleen (Dick), Beverly (Roger), Don (Karen), Charles (Jan), Marie, Jean (Lyle), Dan (Sarah), Linda (Tom); and many great friends, especially Harold and Darlene and “The Des Moines Gang.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Rose Argenta Miller; and many aunts and uncles.

Delbert was born Sept. 19, 1936, in West Des Moines, Iowa, to Dale and Rose Argenta Miller. Delbert graduated from Des Moines East High School in 1954 and worked for Meredith Publishing while attending the American Institute of Business. Following graduation from the American Institute of Business, he became a licensed financial consultant at Lamson Bros. Brokerage Firm in 1970.

In 1973, Delbert moved his family to Iowa City after accepting a position as purchasing manager at Yoder Feeds in Kalona. In 1978, he became corporate purchasing manager for Vigortone Ag Products, working there 20 years until his retirement in 1998.

Delbert enjoyed traveling with family and friends, restoring cars, racing go-carts and anything chocolate.

Our thanks to the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Waldman, Dr. Cearlock and the Palliative Care Team for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Published Feb. 2, 2013 in The Gazette