Rev. Russell L. Miller, age 77 of Beaver Dam, died on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at University Hospital due to complications with his Leukemia.

Russell Leroy Miller was born on June 10, 1932 to Harry and Emma (Gildemeister) Miller on Grandfather Christian Miller Farm, Baker Township, Osceola County, Iowa. In 1951, he graduated from high school and enrolled at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After two years, he transferred to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955. At this time, he began his study of theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. After three years of study and a year of internship at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa, he graduated from the seminary with a Master of Divinity degree on June 7, 1959. He served as pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Avoca, Wisconsin for three years before accepting a call to ministry at First Lutheran Church, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. On September 26, 1964, Russell was united in marriage to his loving wife Margaret Soukup. After 33 years of active ministry, he retired in 1996. He then accepted a call to interim at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sugar Island, Wisconsin, where he served for eight years.

Despite being diagnosed with chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the fall of 2007, Russell enjoyed a very fulfilling life. He was a letterman in baseball and basketball in both high school and college. He always enjoyed fishing with friends and family. He was very involved in various organizations, including: former President of the Beaver Dam Hockey Association; Board of Directors of the Beaver Dam Youth Hockey Association; Mayoral Appointment to the Beaver Dam Open Housing Committee; Vice President of the Dodge County Unit of the American Cancer Society; Chairman for the Beaver Dam Salvation Army; and inductee to First Lutherans Pastors' Hall of Fame and Melvin High School Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he was very honored to celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Ordination.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Miller; his children, Matthew (Sherri) of Lake Geneva, Mark of Milwaukee, Mary of Beaver Dam, and Jerome "Jerry" (Aislynn) of Madison; one granddaughter, Mable; and two sisters, Mavis Wackerbarth and Donna Harms. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Verlis and Roger Miller.

Visitation for Rev. Miller will be on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd. in Beaver Dam, from 12:00 NOON until 4:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., a Prayer Service conducted by Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem will be held at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held on Friday, November 27, 2009 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sugar Island, W3673 Hwy 0, Watertown, Wisconsin. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Paul Lindau officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Sugar Island.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.