Mark Miller

Mark A. Miller, 66, of Waukon died Friday, February 12, 2021 at his son’s home in rural Waukon after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Mark always maintained a strong faith and positive outlook throughout his illness.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 16 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. A private family memorial service will be held at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in rural Waukon. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is encouraged.

Mark Allen Miller was born November 14, 1954 in Waukon, the son of Frederick and Marjorie (Bareis) Miller. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Postville, confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School.

Mark then graduated from college at Northeast Area One in Calmar with a degree in Farm Implement Mechanics in 1974.

Also in 1974, Mark married Christine Roe in Waukon. They were in union for 26 years and had six children together. They later divorced. He farmed in Ludlow Township his whole life, primarily raising hogs and dairy cows. Mark loved farming and farm machinery, especially antique models. He often would drive his kids around to check out equipment at the local implements. He enjoyed attending the annual Antique Acres event with his children and grandchildren. In more recent years, Mark enjoyed spending time with his two mules, Jake and Jeb, and took them to Green’s Sugar Bush in Castalia to give rides at the yearly syrup festival. His current project was fixing up a sleigh and a wagon to be able to give his family rides.

He was a member at Zalmona Presbyterian Church. Mark loved his kids and grandkids and had a nickname for each one. He also loved food and going out to eat; if there was food at an event, you could count on Mark being there. He liked watching movies, flying his ultralight airplane and listening to Rush Limbaugh.

Mark had a six-year battle with cancer, always willing to try a new treatment and never giving up even when he wasn’t feeling well, leading his doctor to say that “Mark lost the battle, but he won the war”.

Mark is survived by his children: Cindy (Matt) Behrend of Waukon, Angela (Zebb) Muehling of Janesville, and Carrie (Zac) Christensen, Kimberly (Justin) Johnson and Joseph (Tatum) Miller, all of Waukon; 16 grandchildren: Mariah, Lauryn and Brady Behrend, Zaydenn, Harper and Ezra Muehling, Hayley, Cayl and Elle Christensen, Ava, Greyson and Everly Johnson, and Cora, Tessa, Kate and Benjamin Miller; his two brothers, John (Leslie) and Joel (Shawna) Miller; an uncle, Kermit Miller of Postville; two aunts, Donna Miller of Clermont and Alice Bareis of Marquette; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Allen Lee Miller; and his sister, Ruth E. Palmer.

Honorary casketbearers are Mark’s 16 grandchildren. Casketbearers are his grandson, Brady Behrend; his brother, Joel Miller; and his sons-in-law, Matt Behrend, Zebb Muehling, Zac Christensen and Justin Johnson.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.