Rodney Paul Miller, 70, of Galesburg, died on April 20, 2023 of pancreatic cancer.
Rodney was born on November 17, 1952, to Kenneth and Colleen Miller, growing up on their farm in Kent, Iowa. After graduating in 1971 from Lenox High School, he attended the University of Iowa, where he completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban and regional planning.
On August 5, 1972, Rodney married his high school sweetheart, Roxanne Halligan, and they took up residence as a family in Iowa City, Iowa. He was involved in politics during these early years, including University of Iowa student government and was elected student body vice president. He also worked in state and national races, including the presidential run of George McGovern. After a brief season of working in sales, Rodney began work at the University of Iowa Laser Facility. When the head of the Laser Facility moved to the University of Connecticut, Rodney also went as an administrator in the Physics department, where he worked until moving to Galesburg to undertake full-time pastoral ministry.
Rodney identified first and foremost as a follower of Jesus Christ. He was saved in the summer of 1977 at a camp meeting in Sherrard, Illinois. After several years of spiritual growth, he began a study course for the ministry, and served churches in Iowa and Illinois. In 1996, Rodney moved with his family to Galesburg to begin serving as pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship, a position that he held devotedly until his dying day. His congregation knew him as a man of compassion, dedicated to raising up others in discipleship to the Lord. Many a member would testify to Rodney’s genuine friendship, patient pastoral care, and a passion to teach the Bible. In the community, he was involved with the Galesburg Rescue Mission, The Weekend ministry for teens, the Peoria Great Banquet, and organized a weekly local pastors’ prayer meeting.
He enjoyed playing guitar, reading (especially biographies), and fishing with his kids as they grew up. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren.
Rodney is survived by his wife Roxanne of Galesburg, Illinois; eight children: Jason (Rebecca) of McAlester, Oklahoma; Derek (Esther) of Maryville, Tennessee; Nathan (Stacy) of Covington, Washington; Stephen (Deanna) of New Castle, Pennsylvania; Matthew, of Houston, Texas; Sarah Wollin (Benny) of Appleton, Wisconsin; Amy Wall (Eli) of Galesburg, Illinois; Abbie, of North Aurora, Illinois; 25 grandchildren: Elijah, Jonah, Lily, and Samuel Miller, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Austin and Aric Miller, of Maryville, Tennessee; Alyssa Manley (Andrew), of Denton, North Carolina; Cael and Regan Miller, of Covington, Washington; Carlee, Megan, Micah, and Callan Miller, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; Madison and Charlee Miller, of Yakima, Washington; Eleanora, Stoker, Athena, and Phoenix Wollin, of Appleton, Wisconsin; Caroline, Alexander, Layana, Delilah, Aydah, and Blaire Wall of Galesburg, Illinois; his mother, Colleen Miller; and four siblings: Craig Miller, Terri Miller-Chait, Cyndy Hinton, and Dan Miller.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, Illinois. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2023 at the funeral home. Rev. Stephen Miller will officiate the funeral, and Rev. Dr. Howard Russell will sing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
Now he can rest.
