Charles Omer Miller, 97, Dixon (formerly of Polo) died Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Serenity Hospice House, Oregon.
He worked at Sterling Wire Mill for two years, farmed in the area from 1939 until 1960, assembled and fixed combines and other farm equipment at Polo Motors for 19 years, retiring in 1979.
Miller was born Jan. 11, 1914 in Jonesboro, Tenn., the son of James and Sara (Walters) Miller.
He attended LaMar School in Jonesboro.
He married Olgie Lockner on Dec. 10, 1937 in Clinton, Iowa. She preceded him in death in February 2010.
Miller received recognition in 1970 for helping to save the life of a man who was pinned beneath the head of a combine.
He attended Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls.
Miller was a 62 year member of the Buffalo Grange. Since the loss of his sight in 1990, the Polo Senior Center was an important part of his daily life, until his move to Dixon in 2005.
He was a dedicated family man.
Survivors include son, George (Kay) Miller of Mimms, Fla.; a daughter, Karen (Bob) Wilkens, Dixon; granddaughter, Carrie (Dennis) Gaul, South Bend, Ind.; grandson, Rob (Jen) Wilkens, Dixon; step-granddaughters, Debbie Richards, Titusville, Fla. and Carol Richards, Chana; four great-grandchildren, Katie (Ben) Wolf, Dixon, Jeremy (Hannah) Gaul, Rockford, Jess (Gunnar) Ortgiesen, Dixon and Steph Wilkens, Dixon, great-great-grandson, Hunter Ortgiesen.
He was preceded in death by four sisters and seven brothers.
Services were scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home.
Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Polo, immediately following the service.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m, an hour prior to service, also at the funeral home.
Memorials have been established to Harvest Time Bible Church and Serenity Hospice House.
To send condolences visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com.