Kenneth James Miller

Kenneth James Miller of Ft. Collins, age 94, joined the Lord on February 21, 2023. He was born in Clear Lake, Iowa on May 25, 1928, and was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Ramona Ruth Miller. He is survived by son Scott Miller (Arlene Miller, deceased), and daughter Susan Geiser (Paul Geiser), Fort Collins; and grandchildren Nicole Geiser Kerr, and Jeffrey Geiser, Tiffany Miller Russell (Steve Russell), and, his sister Jeanyce Davis. Ken served in the U.S. Marines in 1946-1947 (aviation duty), and drafted into the U. S. Army in 1952, 10th infantry division and (Division of the Surgeon Office), Korean War 1952-54. He was in The Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota in August, 1967, earning a B.S. degree in Business. 1960, opportunity came for Ken to be an oil pipeline supervisor in Hastings, Nebraska. Ken and Ramona moved back home to Clear Lake in 1977 until they moved to Fort Collins in 1994, where they built their present home to be closer to their children. Living in Clear Lake, Iowa, Ken had lived with hardy winter weather and near the town’s notable lake and area ponds. They influenced his choices for fun and challenge--sailing and ice skating. In 1947, Ken began competing in annual catamaran regattas through the Clear Lake Yacht Club. He won the coveted Nebraska Governor’s Cup Open Division seven times. Ken was eventually named the Portsmouth Fleet Champion for winning top place five years in a row, sailing 5.5 NACRA. Ken began skating at a young age using tie on blades over his shoes. He learned how to ice skate in high school, skating on local ponds. After retirement, Ken, age 57, began taking private lessons. Age 60 he started competitive figure skating, which became his serious athletic past-time for twenty-one years. He skated in one-hundred sixteen events. 92 gold medals help comprise Ken’s awards collection he’d earned in this sport. At 80, he skated in an International World Event (his last) and won 2 more medals. Knee replacement slowed him down, but he laced up weekly and skated at EPIC in Fort Collins until recently. A master woodworker, he crafted the finish work in several of their houses. He invented the miter attachment to improve the quality of constructing the multi corners on picture frames. He volunteered to build his creative wood crafted furniture for his church and many pieces for family and friends. If something needed to be fixed, he has always been there to help. For many years he has been involved in Boy Scouts of America as a Patrol Dad, Troop Chairman, District Chairman, District Commissioner and Council Board Member. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his impact on the lives of youth through his service in scouting. In further honors, Ken was named the City of Fort Collins, “Recreator of the Year” in January, 2018, for pursuing his skating and athletic interests and inspiring others. Ken was a man of faith. He was part of the Stephen Ministry and regularly attended Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. His Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at First United Methodist Church (1005 Stover Street, Fort Collins, CO). Reception following service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Ken’s name to Pathway’s Hospice, the Food Bank for Larimer County, and First United Methodist Church.

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Kenneth James Miller

May 25, 1928 - February 21, 2023