William Miller Obituary

Fr. William Miller

Fr. William Miller, C.PP.S., 88, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in the infirmary at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, where he made his home.

Fr. Miller was born Feb. 16, 1936, in Bellevue, to Arthur F. and Mary J. (Hohman) Miller. He entered the Congregation in 1950 at Brunnerdale, the Congregation's former high school seminary outside of Canton. He was ordained Jun. 8, 1963, at St. Charles.

Fr. Miller served God's people in parish ministry during most of his more than 60 years as a priest.

He was parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, Missouri., from 1964-69, and St Mary Church in Centerville, Iowa, from 1969-73. In 1973, he was appointed director of seminarians at Precious Blood Seminary in Liberty, Missouri.

Fr. Miller returned to parish life in 1977 when he became pastor of St. Michael, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony and St. Bernard Churches in Linton, North Dakota. He served there for 10 years.

In 1989, he became pastor of St. Anne Church in Warsaw, Missouri, and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. He returned to Sacred Heart Parish in Sedalia in 1992 and also served in the mission church of St. John the Evangelist, Bahner, Missouri. Fr. Miller served on the provincial council of the Kansas City Province from 1995-1999.

In later years, Fr. Miller also served at Sacred Heart Church in Chariton, Iowa, and mission churches at St. Francis, Corydon, Iowa, and St. Brendan, Leon, Iowa. In 2011, he served at Sacred Heart Church in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he lived with and assisted pastor and good friend, the late Father Joe Miller.

Fr. Miller moved to St. Charles Center in 2015, making his home among his brother Missionaries. While he was still able, he was an enthusiastic and much-loved substitute at local parishes.

Survivors include his sisters, Carol Aichholz of Attica and Betty (Gil) Shultz of Northville, Michigan; sister-in-law, Phyllis Miller of Tiffin; 13 nieces and nephews, Nick (Diane) Miller, Mark (Tina) Miller, Jan (Neil) Shingledecker, Beth (Ned) Walliser, Cindy (Gerry) Brookes, Alan (Aimee) Aichholz, Karen (Greg) Niedermeier, Lori (Steve) Hohler, Tammy (Carl) Daniel, Todd (Ashley) Aichholz, Gina Aichholz, Chris (Sherry) Shultz, and Michael (Julie) Shultz; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and some great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dick Miller; brother-in-law, Eugene Aichholz; and infant brother, Dominic.

While still a student at Brunnerdale, Fr. Miller received the nickname "Bigger" and carried it with him throughout his life. Indeed, his generous heart was bigger than most. He was a man of compassion and kindness, which made him an excellent and beloved pastor. Fr. Bill captured what Pope Francis once said about pastors being close to the people: "We are always priests with all our soul and with all our heart. Being an ambassador of Christ is a mission that penetrates our entire being."

His love for the priesthood and the Community was revealed when he saw a fellow Missionary of the Precious Blood, Precious Blood Companion, or a parish member whom he once served. He would smile, a smile that filled his face. It was the biggest smile folks had ever seen.

Visitation will be 12:45-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, and 10 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. in the parlor at St. Charles, 2860 US Route 127, Celina. A Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The funeral will be in Assumption Chapel, with Fr. Bill Hubman, C.PP.S., as celebrant and Fr. Jack McClure, C.PP.S., as homilist.