A celebration of life for Brian J. Miller, 51, of Kalona will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Kalona Mennonite Church with Pastors Doug Cue and Gerry Kahler officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, January 16 from 2-8 pm at the Kalona Mennonite Church with the family present to greet friends from 6 – 8 pm. Graveside services will take place at the Hardy Community Cemetery, Nebraska on January 21, 2017 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Superior Country Club, Nebraska. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Brian's life. Mr. Brian Miller died unexpectantly at his home in Kalona, Iowa on January 14, 2017.
Brian James Miller was born August 22, 1965 in Kearney, NE, the son of Jim and Donna (Edwards) Miller. He graduated from Superior High School in 1984 and then graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a degree in AgriBusiness in 1989. He was united in marriage to Raelyn Robb on July 12, 1991. Brian was a member of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church.
Brian was an accomplished multi-sport athlete growing up, to include two high school state championships in shot put and as the starting catcher who hit a home run in the championship game for the Legion baseball team. One of his 'biggest' accomplishments in high school was defeating an opponent at the state wrestling championships who outweighed Brian by 150 lbs! His athletic career culminated in playing football alongside his brother Kevin for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1984 – 1989. This passion transferred into his post college life as he assisted with coaching football both at Superior High School, Nebraska and at Mid-Prairie High School, Iowa.
Professionally, Brian excelled at any task that required people-skills. Whether it was as an Ag chemical salesman or an investment representative for Edward Jones, Inc; Brian had a tremendous ability to relate with any and all in which he came in contact.
Nevertheless, through all of this Brian was defined by one thing more than anything else: Family. With an intense love for his wife, Raelyn, Brian dedicated his life to his family and their pursuits. Brian was a dedicated husband and father that was never too big to do the laundry or sit up front at an elementary music concert. Whether it was changing allegiances from the Nebraska Cornhuskers to the Iowa Hawkeyes or driving to St. Louis for a national gymnastics competition, Brian loved his family and supported each and every one of them with a dedication similar to the one that he had for his wife.
Survivors include his parents, Jim and Donna Miller of Superior, NE., wife, Raelyn (Robb) Miller of Kalona, sons, Tanner and Reid Miller, daughters Hannah and Ciarra Miller, brothers Kevin (Juliane) Miller of Superior, NE and Andrew (Kristin) Miller of Hardy, NE, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins too many to name.