Gerald Eugene “Bud” Miller, 82 of Elkader, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Bud was born on August 26, 1939, in Elkader, to Harold and Inez (Behrens) Miller. He served in the United States Air Force as Airman First Class at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona.
Bud was united in marriage to his wife of 65 years, Lorraine (Borne) Miller on March 20, 1957, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elkader. They were blessed with two daughters, Terry Lynn and Wendy Jean. Bud’s inquisitive nature and love of learning took him and his family on many adventures including trail rides, camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, motorcycle trips, convertible rides, hanging out with family and friends, and in his later years wintering in Texas.
Bud’s career began at Beacon Auto Rebuilders where he worked as an auto body repair man for 17 years. In 1976 he opened his own shop, Auto Collision Specialists which he operated for 26 years. After the sale of his business, he continued to work part time for several more years as lead driver for Northeast Iowa Transit. Born and raised in the Elkader, Bud had a passion for giving back to the community he loved. He was a long time member of numerous Elkader organizations including the Jay Cee’s, Lion’s Club, a Volunteer Fire Fighter, Elkader Masonic Lodge, El Kahir Shrine, and Northeast Iowa Shrine Motor Clowns.
Bud is survived by his wife Lorraine of Elkader; daughters, Terry (James) Scholten of Omaha, NE and Wendy (Mike) French of Marion; three grandchildren, Amy Scholten of Omaha, NE, Krisha (Crystal) French of Perry, and Allison French of Des Moines; four great-grandchildren, Michaela French, Hunter French, Kaius French, Coehn French; and one sister, Charlotte Moore of Elkader.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands, Beverly (Rodger) Mork, Gwen (Arlo) Haught and brother-in-law, Larry “Smoke” Moore.
Visitation: 4 to 7 pm, Friday, June 10, 2022, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader, where a Masonic Service will be held at 5:30 pm.
Funeral Services: 11:00 am, Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the funeral home in Elkader.
Inurnment with Military Honors: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.