LeRoy Henry Miller
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A big personality of German descent left this world on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at his home in Boise, ID. LeRoy Henry Miller died at age 84.
Born at home on the farm near Minatare, NE on July 8, 1937 to Henry and Amelia (Hauff) Miller, LeRoy loved to reminisce about his farm life. From farm animals like the dog, Shep and horses like the palomino mare, Queenie and her offspring, Dusty, to the hard work of planting and harvesting crops, and the business of farming; LeRoy planned to be a farmer. Even a close call when he was lost in the Blizzard of 49 didn't discourage him. However, circumstances led him in a different direction. His father died when LeRoy was 22 years old, leaving he, his mother, and six younger siblings at home. LeRoy managed the auction of the family's assets and moved his mother and siblings into town (Scottsbluff). He also taught his mother to drive and write checks. Some say LeRoy was the godfather of the family for them and that role remained true throughout his life. LeRoy loved his family deeply.
In 1958, he met the love of his life, Rhonda Jean Lindquist. LeRoy claimed to have spotted herwhile cruising on Broadway in Scottsbluff, but Rhonda remembers telling him to get his feet off the seat in front of him when she was an usher at the Bluffs Theatre and then he pursued her. They married on April 2, 1960 and this match lasted 61 years. Their story is one of adventures together and with their four children, Holly, Scott, Marty, and Amy. Family reunions and vacations, camping, fishing, boating on the infamous pontoon boat, BSU football games, motorcycles, and cars were the center of their family life as was Nebraska Cornhusker football (Go Big Red!).
The transition for LeRoy from farm life after marriage to Rhonda involved several jobs including the sugar beet factory, Frank Implement, and Lockwood (as a machinist and welder). He was hired by Magnolia in 1962 and began a four decade career in the manufactured housing industry. LeRoy's story is one of others identifying qualities in him like leadership, problem solving, and devising solutions to grabbing opportunities to grow in life and on the job. He started at Magnolia Homes in Scottsbluff, NE, worked for Guerdon Industries in Madison, SD, Conchemco of Mountain Home, ID, and Fleetwood Homes of Idaho in Nampa, retiring in 2001. He served in many management roles and several former employees cite LeRoy as their mentor in business and life.
Retirement was difficult for LeRoy until he found a 1957 Pontiac Star Chief to restore. This car was a duplicate of the car his dad gave him while working on the farm. The restoration was a labor of love and when finished, he proudly displayed his 1957 Pontiac and his 1975 Chevy truck at many car shows in the Boise area. LeRoy joined the Idaho Chariots Car Club and valued his membership in this group for its focus on classic cars, efforts toward charitable endeavors supporting local veterans, and other worthy causes.
LeRoy is deeply loved and missed by his wife, Rhonda, his four children, Holly (Mark) Vinner of Billings, MT, Scott (Amy) Miller of Oregon City, OR, Marty (Jodi) Miller of Boise, ID, and Amy (Lonny) Barr of Boise, ID; brothers, Jack (Judy) Miller of Berthoud, CO and Steve (Jan) Stephensen of Columbus, OH; sisters, Betty (Alvin)Foos of Morrill, NE, Sandy Daniels of Tulsa, OK, Sally (Bob) Smith of Loveland, CO, Patty (Chuck) Winkler of Scottsbluff, NE, Carolyn (Barry) Elliott of Grand Junction, CO, Tiny (Mike) Baker of Columbia, MO, numerous nieces and nephews who call him their favorite uncle, and his dog, Shane. Grandpa is also dearly missed by his 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
LeRoy's parents, Henry and Amelia, brother, Jerry, sisters, Jo Ann and Mary Ann, and granddaughter, Heather Hogan precede him in death.
Cremation has taken place. Per LeRoy's request, no services are planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are recommended to the Idaho Veterans Assistance League, PO Box 7765, Boise, ID 83707, an organization supported by the Idaho Chariots, or to a charity of one's choice in memory of LeRoy.