Rodney Robert Miller

Rodney Robert Miller, 85, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away on September 28, 2012 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Rodney is preceded in death by his father, August Miller, his mother, Johanna Bartels Miller, his brother, Hans Herbert Miller and his bride of 55 years, Joan Catherine (Rieke) Miller.

Rodney was born September 9, 1927, to August and Johanna Miller who were immigrants from Germany, in Dekalb, Illinois. He was the oldest son. He graduated from Steubenville High School, Steubenville, Ohio, and upon graduation enlisted in the Navy where he was stationed in San Francisco Bay.

After returning home he started to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He went to the Franciscan University of Steubenville for a brief time for pre-med studies. He went on to work at National Biscuit Co. in Cleveland, Ohio to give himself a break from his studies. He intended this to be a temporary job. This is where he met the love of his life, Joan.

Rodney and Joan married September 15, 1956. A year later they welcomed the birth of their first of six children: Sharon Marie, Rodney Robert, Michelle Marie, Lisa Marie, Denise Marie and David Paul. His temporary job sent him on his career path in the baking industry from Night Supervisor at Millbrook Bakery in Birmingham, Alabama, in the 1960's. At that time he received additional training at the American Baking Institute in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated second in his class. He was then promoted and worked in Research as a Cereal Chemist in Schenectady, New York. On to Kansas City in 1971 where he continued his work in Research and Development at Interstate Bakeries Corporation, where he was regarded as their "top" R and D person.

Rodney was then promoted to Director of Technical Support for Interstate Bakeries Corporation from 1997 to his retirement in 2007. Prior to his retirement he was written up in a trade magazine "Baking and Snack" to honor his 50 years of service. "He was thought of by the folks at I.B.C. and others in the industry as one of the last cowboys in the baking business."

After retiring at 79 years old he enjoyed spending time with his family and spent his days helping his grandchildren with their studies, especially math, and helping care for his wife until her death on December 31, 2011. He missed her so much that no matter what the weather or the state of his own health he would visit her grave daily. He was a scientist at heart and an avid learner. He was a common Man's Man- he enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories.

He never met a stranger he didn't like. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rodney leaves behind his 6 children and their families: Sharon M. Miller and daughters Rachel, her husband Kevin Moore and Katherine (Katie); Rodney R. Miller II, Michelle M. Miller, Lisa M. Miller and her partner Pat Phillips, Denise M. Newkirk and husband David with children- Nicholas, Haley, Logan and stepdaughter Stephanie and her husband Toni Parlato; David P. Miller and his wife Erin and four daughters, Natalie, Lauren, Anna and Macy also survive him.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to:

St. Joseph Catholic Church

5901 Flint

Shawnee, Kansas 66203