Calvin E. “Bill” Miller, 81, of Rensselaer, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 2, 2013 at Jasper County Hospital surrounded by his family. Calvin was born in Rensselaer on October 7, 1931, son of the late Claude A. Miller and Hilda (Christianson) Miller. He was a lifelong area resident.

Calvin served in the Indiana National Guard from 1949-1956. On June 18, 1955, in Rensselaer, he married his wife of over 57 years, Marilyn (Steinke) Miller, and she survives. Calvin worked as a cabinetmaker for Northway Products in Rensselaer for 40 years, retiring in 1992. He also was a farmer. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Retired Iron Club. Calvin had also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and had served on the Jasper County 4-H Council.

Calvin enjoyed farming and taking care of his animals and was a big collector of John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking, and enjoyed sharing these hobbies with and teaching his grandchildren. He was very active with the Jasper County Fair where he entered many projects in open-class woodworking. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren show their livestock and projects at the fair. Calvin loved Christmas, and was Rensselaer’s town Santa Claus for a number of years. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Calvin is survived by his loving family: wife Marilyn Miller of Rensselaer; six children: Stephen (Judith) Miller of Rensselaer, Suzanne (Rich) Ludington of Rensselaer, James (Sandra) Miller of Rensselaer, Jerry (Michelle) Miller of Morocco, Gregory (Susan) Miller of Rensselaer, and Michelle Tiede (fiancé Kevin Klemme) of Rensselaer; and two brothers, Marvin E. Miller of Rensselaer and Robert (Marina) Miller of Rensselaer. Twenty grandchildren and eight great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and three brothers.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Rosary Service will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Don Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Donations in Calvin’s memory are suggested to the Jasper County Fair Association Show Arena Improvement Fund. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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