Robert "Bob" Miller

Robert “Bob” Miller, of Preston, IA, passed away Friday, July 5. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 12, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preston. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church prior to the service. A private family burial will be in Preston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Bob was born on November 2, 1951, to Arnold and Katie (Rohwedder) Miller in Maquoketa, IA. Growing up in Buckeye, outside of Preston, he earned his beloved nickname and developed a lifelong passion for sports. Bob attended Preston Schools, graduating from Preston High School with the class of 1970. During his high school years, he was actively involved in sports, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. His love for basketball took him to Webster Community College, where he spent a year playing the sport he loved.

In 1971, Bob returned home and began working for George Lingle, a job he initially considered his summer job but ultimately turned into a 50 plus year career, establishing himself as a respected plumber. In 1988, he founded his own successful plumbing business, known for its reliability and Bob’s impeccable work ethic.

In 1972, Bob met the love of his life, Linda Kueter, at a dance at The Beacon. They married on April 22, 1972, and together, they raised three children and enjoyed 38 years of a loving marriage. Bob and Linda made their home in Preston, where they remained lifelong residents. Bob was a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving on the Parish Council for several years and contributing to the community he deeply loved.

Bob’s passion for sports extended beyond his youth, as he participated in numerous fast-pitch softball teams and played basketball for the Preston JC's. He instilled a love for sports in his children, spending countless hours playing catch and basketball with them after work. Bob was very involved in his kids teams, and coached them in T-Ball and softball as well as coaching his sons high school basketball and baseball teams. A devoted fan of the Cubs and the Hawkeyes, Bob cherished the camaraderie and joy that sports brought to his family.

Known for his incredible work ethic, Bob believed in the importance of hard work over talent. He always prioritized his clients, ensuring their needs were met with dedication and care. His children fondly remember working alongside their father during the summer, helping the community through his plumbing work and learning the value of a hard day’s work.

Bob was a man of simple pleasures, starting each day with the strongest black coffee and enjoying hearty meals. His clients knew his love for sweets, often baking him cookies and brownies. Bob’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. Known as “Papa,” Bob was a delightful and fun-loving grandfather, sharing laughter, sledding adventures, and tractor rides with his grandkids.

A patient and friendly man, Bob never met a stranger. He was deeply connected to his community and neighbors, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Family was the center of Bob’s life, and he took great pride in being the family historian, sharing stories and preserving the family’s legacy for future generations.

Bob will be dearly missed by his three children, Amy (Tracy) Kleese of Washington, IA, Lisa (Ryan) Woodward of Lewis, IA, and Kevin (Claudia) Miller of Solon, IA; seven grandchildren, Lincoln (Jocelyn Haack), Sophia (Matthew Cupp), and Abigail Kleese, Malena and Reid Woodward, and Adlie and Braxton Miller; three siblings, Cheryl Miller of Maquoketa, Linda L. Miller of Clinton, IA, and Dennis (Bonnie) Miller of Preston; five brother-in-laws and 11 sister-in-laws, and many good friends. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, Arnold and Katie, his parent-in-laws, Harold and Maxine; and several aunts and uncles.