Bonnie Lou Miller

Bonnie Lou Miller, age 67, of Preston, Iowa, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a courageous journey through illness. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 20, at 11 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Preston. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Bonnie was born on August 17, 1958, in Bellevue, Iowa, to Norbert and Alice Bormann. She was raised on the family farm alongside her five sisters, where she learned the value of hard work, family, faith, and the simple joys of country life.

At just 16 years old, Bonnie met the love of her life, Dennis Miller, at a street dance, and the rest was history. The two built a beautiful life together rooted in love, laughter, and partnership. This August, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage together, a testament to the deep bond they shared through every season of life.

Together, Bonnie and Dennis welcomed their daughter, Michelle, who was the center of Bonnie’s world. Bonnie was the definition of a devoted wife and mother. She never missed a sporting event, school activity, or important moment in Michelle’s life. Whether cheering from the stands, helping with projects, or simply being there with unconditional support, Bonnie made sure her family always knew they were loved.

While Dennis focused on the farm, Bonnie was right beside him through the years, helping with pig chores in the early farming days and delivering her famous homemade lunches out to the field. She was always moving, always working, and always caring for others before herself.

Bonnie was known for her quick wit, unforgettable personality, and wonderfully unfiltered sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. She had an incredible work ethic and spent many years owning and operating the local grocery store, where she formed countless friendships and connections throughout the community. Bonnie genuinely loved people, and people loved her right back.

Her home was one filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of something delicious baking in the oven, especially during the Christmas season. Bonnie loved trying new sweet treat recipes and always made sure there were plenty of goodies to share. If you ever lost track of Bonnie while shopping, chances are you would find her in the candy aisle, making sure her famous candy drawer at home stayed fully stocked.

Bonnie also enjoyed decorating and shopping with Michelle, especially when it came to Black Friday adventures. Those shopping trips with her sisters and Michelle became treasured traditions filled with laughter, stories, and memories that her family will hold close forever.

In between preparing home-cooked meals, Bonnie kept herself busy with various jobs around town, planning her annual garage sale, and even trying her hand at running a strawberry patch one summer. She lived life with energy, determination, and a heart that was always giving to others. She was also proudly known as the “cool mom” who may have occasionally helped Michelle and her college friends acquire the best mixed drink supplies during those fun college years.

Those left to cherish Bonnie’s memory include her loving husband, Dennis Miller of Preston, Iowa; her daughter, Michelle Miller (Clay Welter) of Waterloo, Iowa; her sisters, Linda Ryan of Fruitland, Iowa, Mary Kay Creegan (Terry) of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Nancy Farrell (Tom) of Preston, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Alice Bormann; her sisters, Jane Feltes and Betty Farrell; her mother- and father-in-law, Arnold and Katie Miller; and her brother-in-law, Bob Miller.

Bonnie will be remembered for her love of family, her hardworking spirit, her laughter, her cooking and baking, and the way she made everyone feel welcome the moment they walked through her door. The farm, the kitchen, the holidays, and family traditions will never feel quite the same without her, but the love and memories she created will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.