Merle F. Miller's Obituary
Merle Francis Miller, 100, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his home at Sarah Harding in Clinton. There will be no visitation. A private family gathering will be held. He will be buried together with his wife at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Merle was born in Savanna, Illinois on January 17, 1926, the son of Fred and Florence (Graves) Miller. He attended the Savanna and Lanark Illinois schools graduating in 1944.
Merle served in the United States Army during World War II. While in the service he met Evelyn Marchese. They were married in Brooklyn, New York on August 3, 1947, after returning to Savanna, Merle worked at the Savanna Army Depot from 1950 until retiring in 1974. After retiring, Merle did home maintenance work for the elderly in the Savanna area.
Merle and Evelyn had three children, Tim Lyn and Lisa. Merle and Evelyn were divorced in March of 1976.
On October 6, 1976, Merle married Gwen Dierks Kroll and they lived in Riverview, Thomson, Illinois with Gwen’s children Jane and Michael Kroll. In 1997 Merle and Gwen moved to Clinton.
Merle enjoyed walking his dog, working on cars, puttering in his garage and working in the vegetable and flower gardens.
Merle survived by his children, Tim (Lesa) Miller of Bedford, Indiana, Lyn (William) Smith of Ludington, Michigan, and Lisa (David) Heim of Manhattan, Illinois, Michael (Amy) Kroll, his brother: Gerald (Norma) Miller of Channahan, Illinois, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Merle was proceeded to death by his parents, his wife, five brothers, Donald, Herbert, Eugene, Melvin, and Edwin; sisters: Lucille Phinney, Doris Dauphin, and Joan Kaney, two nieces: Susan and Kathy Kaney, and his daughter: Jane (Kroll) Brown.
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