Miller, Leelyn Dean

Leelyn Dean Miller, 92, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at Mercy Iowa City. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English with Pastor Edwin Jordan officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home Thursday, Sept. 20. Burial will be in the North English Cemetery. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at under obituaries.

Leelyn Dean Miller was born on Nov. 16, 1919, near North English, Iowa, the oldest son of Lecil V. and Blanche Van Auken Miller. He graduated from North English High School in 1938, where he participated in all sports. Leelyn enlisted in the U.S. Army when World War II began and spent 43 months in the South Pacific. He was united in marriage to Mildred Elizabeth Lortz Plank in Des Moines on Aug. 4, 1947. Leelyn spent the majority of his career in the plumbing, heating and hardware business, owning Miller Hardware in North English with his father for many years. He finished his career at Nagle Lumber in Iowa City, retiring in 1985.

Leelyn was a member of the Pleasant Grove Grace Brethren Church and a lifelong resident of North English. He enjoyed keeping an immaculate house, car and lawn. He remained a Cubs fan for his entire life. Most of all, he loved visiting with people, especially his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; a son, Gary (Janie) Miller; and a daughter-in-law, Vicki Plank, all of North English; three grandchildren, Frosty (Deanna) Plank of North English, and Matt (Katie) Miller and Andrew Miller of North Liberty; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Georgeanna Heitshusen; and a brother, Loran (Joy) Miller of Golden, Colo.

Leelyn was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Plank; and a grandson, Mickey Plank.

Published Sept. 19, 2012 in The Gazette