Daniel "Boone" Miller

Daniel “Boone” James Miller was fun-loving, loyal, helpful and maybe a bit stubborn. At the age of 77, Boone passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at his home. He was a lifelong and very proud resident of “The Island City” of Sabula, IA. A visitation service will be held on Sunday, October 22 from 4 - 7 PM at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL. A funeral service will be on Monday, October 23 at 10:30 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Sabula with a one hour visitation at the church prior to the service.

Daniel was born on April 12, 1946 in Savanna, the son of Geraldine (Reibel) and James Miller. James and Benjamin Miller passed away tragically when Boone was 11 years old and Wayne Harmon later became his stepfather. As a kid he loved to hunt and fish. He graduated from Sabula High School in 1964. After graduation he began working at DuPont and then joined the United States Navy a year later. He married LaVerne Kuhl on November 9, 1968 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Sabula. They lived in Norfolk, VA until his discharge from the Navy in 1969 when they moved back to Sabula. He returned to his job at DuPont where he worked until his retirement in 2007 after 43 years of service. Shortly thereafter he and LaVerne moved into their dream home they had built on Lake Street. Later on, he enjoyed working for Billion Auto in Clinton transporting vehicles.

Boone was a pillar to his community. He served as an EMT for Sabula EMS for over 40 years and was a member of the Sabula Fire Department for over 50 years, the last 22 years as the Fire Chief. He was a mentor and role model for his family and friends and a true Sabula icon. He was a longtime member of the East Central School Board, served on the Sabula City Council and was a member of the Sabula American Legion. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. He was a constant and consistent helper, always present whether at a 2AM ambulance or fire call or an overnight levee patrol. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for the new fire truck and when it arrived in Sabula earlier this year, it was one of his proudest accomplishments. He enjoyed the morning coffee clutch with his cronies at the fire station, golfing with his buddies at Palisades Golf Course, attending Northeast sporting events, shopping for and collecting useful junk like baseball caps and screwdrivers and keeping all of his “treasures” meticulously organized. He loved watching the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and Nascar, preferably with a hot dog in his hand. Boone was proud to serve as a chaperone on the Honor Flight several years ago. He was also looking forward to going on another in the near future, but this time as a veteran himself.

Above all, his family was most important to him. He was completely devoted and a constant protector to his wife, kids and grandkids and would drop everything to help them out. As his kids said, “He never said no.” He loved to watch his grandkids in sports and fine arts events at school. Boone absolutely loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises with his family. He loved animals especially his beloved cat, Chubbs. He was proud of his family and supported them in any decision or path they chose. He was a source of comic relief for his family, participating in any type of stunt, skit, or demonstration the grandkids wanted him to, all while being recorded so they could play it back later to a chorus of hysterical laughter! He was lovingly referred to as “Little Grampy” and was absolutely adored by his grandkids.

Boone is survived by his wife, LaVerne, of 54 years; his three daughters, Dawn Miller, Lisa (Eric) Hartman and Jill (Troy) Hansen, all of Sabula; his five grandchildren, Bryn, Aivan & Deryn Hartman and Blake & Teryn Hansen; a niece Barb Potter and a nephew Jimmy Kuehn, both of Dubuque. He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; his brother, Benjamin Miller; his sister, JoDee Kuehn and his father and mother-in-law, John and Jeannette Kuhl. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sabula Fire Department.