Terry Thomas Miller

Terry Thomas Miller

Cedar Rapids

Terry Thomas Miller, 80, of Cedar Rapids, passed away after a battle with heart failure on January 19, 2025. Papich-Kuba Funeral Service, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held later this spring in Cedar Rapids.

Terry was born on March 9, 1944 in Cedar Rapids to Babe and Maxine (Stastny) Miller. He attended Jefferson High School, graduating in 1962.

Terry met the love of his life, Diane, at Roosevelt Junior High School in 7th grade! On November 2, 1962, they married and lived an amazing life together until Diane's passing in 2020.

Together Terry and Diane raised two boys, Dan and Todd. Terry worked as a meter reader for Alliant Energy, consistently walking (even running) 5 to 10 miles a day in the heat, cold, rain, sleet, snow. But no matter how hard the day at work, he always made time to play with his boys, taking them hunting, fishing, or attending their various sporting events.

Terry loved the outdoors, hunting (ducks, turkey, pheasant), fishing for trout on the various Iowa streams, and catfishing on the Cedar River. Summer weekends were typically spent at the Cedar River, on the family houseboat built by father-in-law, Ed Kvarda in 1950. Terry enjoyed spending time on the river with friends and family, water skiing, fishing, exploring, swinging from trees into the water, playing badminton, enjoying bonfires, and having mud-slinging fights.

Terry was very outspoken about his Christian faith, and his love for Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. He and Diane attended Edgewood Baptist Church for many years, and were very involved in the youth ministry. They were part of the Awana Club leadership team, meeting every Wednesday. Many weeks over 100 kids joined in singing praises to The Lord, studying the Bible, having campouts, lock-ins, and competing in games with one another as well as with other churches. A large number of youth accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior during this time.

Terry is survived by his and Diane's two sons, Dan (Tanya) and Todd (Tasha); four grandchildren, Anthony (Danette), Macey, Andrew, and Marissa; sisters, Susan Hoagland (Dave) and Taylor Miller; brother, Steve Miller (Toni); brother-in-law, Jerry Kvarda (Carmen); many cousins, nieces, nephews; and his dog Little Joe.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and in-laws, Ed and Margaret Kvarda.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital for their excellent care during Terry's many visits over the last few months. The family would also like to thank Hospice House of Mercy for their compassionate care in his final days.