Delbert Miller

Delbert Miller, a lifelong resident of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at The Alverno in Clinton, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at The Miles Cemetery in Miles, Iowa, where military honors will be rendered.

Delbert was born on January 31, 1947, the son of Wesley and Fern (Meyer) Miller. Raised on the family farm outside of Preston, Delbert learned the value of hard work early in life while helping his father with daily chores. He attended Preston Schools and was a proud graduate of the Preston High School Class of 1965.

Immediately following high school, Delbert answered the call of duty, joining the United States Army. He served his country with distinction as a linesman during the Vietnam War, a period of service that shaped his character and fueled his lifelong membership in the Preston American Legion.

In 1971, Delbert married his high school sweetheart and the absolute love of his life, Diane Schmidt. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and the Iowa soil, celebrating 54 years of marriage and raising four children.

Delbert’s work ethic was legendary. A farmer to his core, he purchased his own farm in 1970 and spent his days tending to the land. For his entire adult life, he balanced the demands of the farm with a full-time career at DuPont, working nights at the plant and farming during the day. His life revolved around the prosperity of his land and the well-being of his family; he took great pride in knowing that his grandson continues to farm that same land today.

In the rare hours he wasn’t in the field or at the factory, Delbert enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Known affectionately by friends as "Pork Chop," he could often be found sharing a beer and a story with the "Five O'Clock Crowd" at The Garage. Above all, Delbert was a proud father and grandfather. He especially cherished his time as a "Great-grandpa," taking every opportunity to spoil his great-granddaughters on the farm.

Delbert will be dearly missed by his wife, Diane Miller of Clinton, IA; three daughters: Dana (Mike) Phillips of Camanche, IA, Delores (Dale Claussen) Miller of Clinton, and Tina (Curt) Rockwell of Delta, Colorado; his daughter-in-law, Jen Miller of Preston; ten grandchildren: Jordan (Carlie) Phillips, Zach (Myra) Phillips, Kylie (Noah) Everson, Conner Gregorich, Tenley Miller, Mikaela Miller, Ian Rockwell, Justin (Kenna) Rockwell, Isayah Rockwell, and Ezra Rockwell; four great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Hadley, Beckham, and Carter; and two siblings, Darlis Miller of Bellevue and Darlene Liles of Clinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Fern; his beloved son, Dan Miller; two brothers, Whitey and Darwin; and two nephews, Kyle and Josh.