Albert L. Miller's Obituary
Ft. Myers, FL – Albert L. Miller, 92, of Ft. Myers, FL, formerly of Decatur and Peoria, IL, passed away Monday, November 4, 2013 in Ft, Myers.
Mr. Miller was born in Peoria, IL, on September 12, 1921, the son of Albert and E. Pearl Miller.
A graduate of Peoria Manual, Mr. Miller was selected as the first “Mayor for a Day” in Peoria in 1939. He was an army veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater for over 3 years. When he returned from the war, he joined Caterpillar and graduated from Bradley University with an accounting degree. In 1950 he became the first office manager of the new Caterpillar plant in Joliet. In 1953 after arriving in York, PA, to help build and staff a new Caterpillar plant, Al was appointed plant comptroller. In 1960 he moved to Decatur, IL, where he also served as plant comptroller.
Mr. Miller served as President of the Decatur United Way, President of the Decatur Library Board and Vice Chairman of the Decatur Civic Center Board. He was active in First Lutheran Church, Decatur, and served on the board and as a supply preacher for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors of Augustana College located in Rock Island, IL. Mr. Miller also was a member of the Accounting Advisory Committee of Millikin University, Bradley University and Eastern Illinois University. For a number of years he was a guest Accounting lecturer at Penn State University, Saint Francis College, Eastern Illinois University, Augustana College and Millikin University. He married Iona Miller in 1941 and she preceded him in death in 2001 after 60 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death was his son Gerald.
Surviving are his daughter, Marilee Straza and son in law Jim Straza of Florida; daughter in law, Sue Guymon Miller of East Peoria, 5 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Emeritus in Bonita Springs on Saturday, November 16, 2013. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur at a later date.
The Miller family is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Cemeteries, and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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