Oren Dale Miller was born Oct. 27, 1938, in rural Kalona, to Chriss M. and Esther A. (Gingerich) Miller, and also welcomed by two sisters, Erma and Edna. Oren attended school at Pleasant Hill School in rural Kalona for eight years. In his youth, he accepted Jesus as his Saviour and was baptized in the Amish church and was a faithful member there until he and Emma joined Sharon Bethel Church, where he was a faithful member until the time of his death, April 22, 2023.
On Sept. 15, 1960, Oren and Emma Ropp were united in marriage, and lived in harmony with one another for 62 and one half years. Together, they farmed the home place until Oren retired in 2018.
Oren is survived by his loving wife of 62 years: Emma (Ropp) Miller; and four children: Marlin Eugene and wife Fern, Virginia Faye, Juanita Grace, all of rural Kalona, and Jasmine Nicole (Miller) Swantz of Riverside, Iowa; 12 grandchildren: Melissa (Marcus Gingerich) of Free Union, Virginia, Angie (Marcus Beachy) of Kalona, Debra (Ray Garza) of Kalona, Kimberly (Merlin Miller) of Washington, Cheryl (Wes Barkman) of Washington, Isaiah Swantz of Iowa City, Tyler Swantz and Katelyn Swantz both of Kalona, Cassandra Swantz, Emerson Swantz, and Danika Swantz all of Keota, and Ezekiel Feickert of Riverside; 10 great-grandchildren: Haley, Mariah, and Savannah Gingerich of Free Union, Virginia; Alyssa, Makenna, and Tyson Beachy of Kalona; Nakia, Lance, and Hadassah Miller of Washington; and Riley Garza of Kalona; two sisters: Edna (Wallace) Borntrager and Lillian (John) Miller, both of Kalona, brother: Norman (Elma) Miller of Middlebury, Indiana; brother-in-law: Calvin Yoder; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Oren Dale was preceded in death by his parents: Chriss and Esther Miller; two sisters: Erma (Miller) Yoder and Ellen Miller; a grandson: Baby Luke, son of Marlin and Fern; a great-granddaughter: Jocelyn Gingerich, daughter of Marcus and Missy; and a brother-in-law: Wallace Borntrager.
The family wishes to thank all those who visited Oren in the hospital during his stay there, those many who were praying, sent texts and phone calls, and for many acts of kindness that were done during this time. May God bless each and every one.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Sharon Bethel Church in rural Kalona. A general memorial has been established. Yoder- Powell Funeral Home is caring for Oren and his family.
