Thomas “Tom” Vincent Miller
July 31, 1944 ~ March 8, 2025
Thomas “Tom” V. Miller, 80, Larchwood, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and man of unwavering faith, Tom lived his life with purpose, integrity, and a deep appreciation for God’s creation.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at First Evangelical Free Church, 2601 W. 69th St., Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services will be 11:00am, Friday, March 14, 2025, also at First Evangelical Free Church followed by Interment at Grandview Covenant Cemetery, Larchwood, IA, with full military honors. You may view the service by clicking HERE.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Compassion Child Care, Sioux Falls, honoring Tom’s lifelong commitment to faith and service.
Tom was born on July 31, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Elmer Sr. and Colette (Brennan) Miller. Tom grew up in Brandon, SD, alongside his brother, Elmer Jr., attending and graduating from Brandon High School. His love of hard work and adventure began early—he started farming as a young boy, and by age 18, he set out to pursue a lifelong dream: sailing on a submarine.
In March 1963, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, training as a nuclear reactor operator for submarines. While stationed in Chicago, he met the love of his life, Carol Lundberg, in June 1963. On their second date, she shared her homemade chocolate chip cookies, and that was it—he was in love. They married in October 1964 and soon moved to Idaho Falls, ID, where Tom trained in—and later instructed—the operation of nuclear reactors like the ones used on submarines.
While stationed in Idaho Falls, Tom and Carol welcomed their first son, Chris, in 1966. The family moved frequently for his naval assignments, and their second son, Tim, was born in Newport News, VA, in 1967. During his time in the Navy, Tom was assigned to the USS Ethan Allen out of New London, CT, serving in the engine room and completing tours in oceans around the world. After six years of honorable service, he left the Navy in January 1969 and transitioned to civilian life, continuing his work with reactor operations for Idaho Nuclear in Pocatello, ID.
In 1972, Tom returned to the Midwest to join Miller Loaders, a manufacturing business in Granite, IA, founded by his father. There, he used his engineering mind and problem-solving skills to design front-end plate loaders and buckets, making an impact in the industry for years to come. After settling back in Larchwood, IA, Tom and Carol welcomed their third son, Matt, in 1977, completing their family. In 1996, his son Tim followed in his footsteps, joining Miller Loaders as Lead Design Engineer, carrying on the family legacy of innovation in manufacturing.
Tom was a man of many passions, but his love for motorcycles stood above the rest. He raced dirt bikes well into his 70s, riding with a close-knit group of friends who traveled around the Midwest to explore new trails and roads. He and Carol also toured across the U.S. and Canada, first on their touring motorcycle, and later with their camper trailer, embracing the beauty of God’s creation in the mountains, plains, and everything in between. No matter where they traveled, their bicycles were always with them, and they especially loved exploring Minnesota’s scenic bicycle trails together. He was an expert marksman and avid outdoorsman, embarking on unforgettable hunting trips in Montana and Alaska. Whether camping with his boys, riding the open road, or exploring the great outdoors, Tom’s adventurous spirit never faded.
Above all, Tom’s faith in God guided his life. He gave his heart to the Lord and lived out his faith through his actions more than his words. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and devotion, whose quiet testament to God’s love inspired all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carol; his sons, Chris (Lisa), Tim (Shelly), and Matt; his grandchildren, Alex (Anastasiia), Austin, Derek, and Julia Miller; his sisters-in-law, Linnea (John) Dunn and Diane Miller; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Sr. and Colette (Brennan) Miller; parents-in-law, Karl and Marjorie (Tobolt) Lundberg; and his brother, Elmer Jr. (Sonny).
A special thank you to the staff at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD, for ensuring that Tom’s final days were filled with dignity, care, and love.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8
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