ARCHBOLD ~ Virgil L. Miller, 72, of Archbold, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012, in his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 10, 1940, near Pettisville, the son of Charles and Bessie (Frey) Miller. He married Mary Ann Zook Miller of Honey Brook, PA, on August 15, 1964.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; two children Audra (James) Mark of Elkhart, IN, and Brian (Tonya) Miller of Boston, MA; four grandchildren Alex Mark and Nicholas Mark of Elkhart, IN and Tenley Miller and Sydney Miller, Boston, MA; three brothers: Robert (Norma) Miller of Wauseon, Glen (Marilyn) Miller of Goshen, IN and Dale Miller of Bellingham, WA and two sisters, Ada (Andy) Brenneman of Lima, and Marilouise (Virgil) Waidelich of Archbold.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Bessie (Frey) Miller; two brothers Kenneth Miller (Pettisville) and Marlin Miller (Wauseon); and a sister, Lois Short (Stryker).
After two years of 1-W service in Denver, Colorado, Virgil spent his entire career of 46 years at Sauder Manufacturing, Inc. He served as President and CEO for 32 years until he retired in October of 2005, after which he served as Chairman of the Board until December of 2009. Virgil also served as Chair of several other boards, including the Goshen (IN) College Board of Trustees, Archbold Area Schools Board of Education, and Four Seasons International, Inc. (PA), as well as a board member of Sunshine Children’s Home (Toledo), Sunshine Foundation (Toledo), Mennonite Health Alliance (Goshen, IN), and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN). He greatly enjoyed his memberships to Zion Mennonite Church and Rotary International.
Virgil will be remembered for his passions of reading, golfing, running and servant leadership. Always generous with his time, he was energized by engaging in thoughtful conversations with family, colleagues, friends and others whom he met along the way.
Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 at Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold. A memorial service will also be held at Zion Mennonite Church on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 4:00 P.M., with Pastor Jeff Kauffman officiating. Private burial services with interment will be in the Pettisville Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Goshen College, Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA), or to family choice. Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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