Donald James Miller, 93, of rural East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Saturday morning, February 8, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A/M, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at St. Raphael's Cathedral, in Dubuque, IA, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Dubuque.

Visitation is from 3 P/M to 7 P/M, on Monday, February 10, 2020, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be at 2:30 P/M, with Deacon Mike Timmerman presiding.  Friends may also call from 9 A/M - 9:45 A/M, on Tuesday, at the Church.

Don was born on October 22, 1926, in Galena, IL, the son of Henry H. and Agnes (Banfield) Miller.  Don attended Galena schools, and joined the Army after high school where he was a Heavy Weapons Crewman and a Gunner.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Phyllis C. Beireis, on June 28, 1969.  To this union five children were born: Kim, Kevin, Mike, Mark and Holly.

Don worked at Kraft Cheese in Galena, Farley & Loetscher, John Deere Dubuque Works and Flexsteel Industires, where he retired after 30 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids.  He enjoyed fishing and camping with all of them.  Don especially enjoyed sitting back and watching the grandkids reel in the big fish.  He enjoyed gardening with Phyllis where they had a big garden to feed the entire family.  Don loved woodworking with his boys and helping them with lots of their own home improvements.  He also enjoyed watching his grandsons play football and the granddaughters in many musicals.  Don was a proud Grandpa of all of their accomplishments.

Surviving are his wife of almost 51 years, Phyllis; five children, Kim (Paul) Bauer, of Galena, IL, Kevin (Sue) Miller, of Stockton, IL, Mike (Lori) Miller, of Cascade, IA, Mark Miller, of East Dubuque, IL, and Holly Donar (fiance', Corey Schnitzler), of Elizabeth, IL; 14 grandchildren, Stephanie (Kai) McNeely, Nicole Bauer (fiance', Andrew Prose), Jessica, Sara, Avri, Micaela, and Jaime Miller, Donald (DJ), Ben, Gracie and Mylie Miller, Anna, Katelyn and Rebecca Donar; one great-granddaughter, Cora Ann McNeely; his siblings, Colleen (Cy) Thiltgen, of Dubuque, IA, and Howard Miller, of Galena, IL; in-laws, Jan Beireis and Bob Beireis, both of Dubuque, IA, and Dale (Cres) Beireis, of Nevis, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Doris Richards.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Karla Garrett, Helping Hands employees, the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque, and 24 Hour Health Care, for the care they all gave Donald over the last few years.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com