Obituary of Elmer Lee Miller

Elmer Lee Miller, 81, of Kimberly, Idaho, formerly of Burley passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at St Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center after a long battle with illness. Elmer was born April 14, 1931 in Gardner, Kansas to Samuel and Rosa Miller. He is survived by his four children; Gary Lee Hoffman (Mary) of West Valley, UT, Beverly Schrenk (Doug Archer) of Kimberly, LaVina Dixson (Preston) of Idaho Falls, and Sara Brooks (Brandon) of Kuna; three brothers, Sam Miller of Rupert, Tom Miller of Girrard, KS, and Ray Miller of Sedgwick, KS; two sisters, Ramona Magee of Anacoco, LA and Lonna Lowry of Glenpool, OK; three half brothers, Joe of Neosho, MO, Danny of Rocky Comfort, MO, and Gary Miller. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Melissa, Carrie, Krystal, Scott, Lynette, Ethan, Kinsey, and Crysania and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, his wife, Phyllis, his mother and father, a sister, two brothers and a son in law Hugh Allen Schrenk. Elmer enlisted in the Army in 1948 at the age of 17, lying about his age so he could serve his country and provide for his family. He served during the Korean War with Heavy Mortar Company, 24th Division, 19th Regiment. He was captured in November of 1950 and was a prisoner of war in Camp 5 until August 1953. Elmer overcame the odds, being one of less than half of the soldiers to survive captivity in Camp 5. He conquered malnutrition, torture, and freezing temperature to return to his family and offer his support, wisdom, humor, and love to those he cared about for the rest of his days. When he returned from the war, he worked a variety of odd jobs ranging from a mechanic to security guard for Pinkerton Security until his retirement in 2002. He enjoyed working outdoors, watching television (especially sci-fi, old cartoons, and history shows), visiting with family and friends (or as he would say, “shooting the breeze”), and giving people a hard time. He referred to himself as the “the mean old ironman”, but those who knew and loved him saw the depth of his kindness and compassion. Elmer was a regular at the Depot Grill and Norm’s Café. A viewing will be held Sunday July 15, 2012 at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave. E. from 6-8 PM. The funeral will be held Monday, July 16, 2012 at 1PM at Rosenau Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family suggests memorials to Rosenau Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Family and friends can share memories at www.rosenaufuneral home.com