Eileen Marion (Jecklin) Miller

Eileen M. Miller, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Sherrill, passed away on January 6, 2026, at Bethany Home in Dubuque surrounded by family. 

Family and friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where a memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m.

Eileen was born on April 21, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alvin and Irene (Bany) Jecklin. She grew up on a farm in Durango and received her education at Five Points School through eighth grade, and Dubuque Senior High School, graduating in the class of 1948.

Eileen married Marvin A. Miller on August 22, 1950, at the Sherrill United Methodist Church and last August they celebrated 75 years together. Eileen and Marvin farmed together, and she loved living on the farm. In addition to raising poultry and sheep, she was known for her pickled beets, canned beef, jams and jellies, and Christmas sugar cookies. Her vegetable garden was always surrounded by beautiful red canna lilies (a gift from her Grandma Bany in 1950). She was an accomplished seamstress, making prom and wedding dresses for her daughters, and dresses and American Girl matching pajamas for her granddaughters. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren; on the farm they got to experience life in the country, feeding lambs, snapping beans, and playing with kittens. 

Eileen was known for her support of family, friends, church, and community. She was an active member of the Sherrill United Methodist Church and its Women’s Society, working at church suppers, ice cream socials, and lunch stands. For more than 30 years she volunteered at Camp Albrecht Acres and was inducted into their Volunteer Hall of Fame. She and Marvin had many wonderful friends. In her own words, her fondest memories were of family and friends having great times while working together. We will always remember her strong work ethic and her quiet, smiling presence. 

Eileen is survived by her husband Marvin; daughters, Diane (Rich) Jackson, Shoreview MN,  Marlene (Bill) Slough, Urbana, IL, and Karen (Joe) Gonzalez of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Jennifer Jackson, Rachel (Colin) Slough Johnson, Dan (Susan), Nina, and Andrew (Erica) Gonzalez; great-grandchildren, Luis, Victor, Marvin, and Violet Gonzalez; a brother Gerald Jecklin; sisters-in-law, Sally Jecklin, Twila Griffith, and Pat Miller; and many nieces and nephews.  

Those that went before her include her parents; her in-laws (Ben and Esther Miller); a brother, Delmar Jecklin; sister-in-law, Ruth Miller; brothers-in-law, Melvin Miller, Daryl Griffith, and Elmer Miller; niece, Carolyn (Miller) Schultz; and nephew, Larry Miller. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Camp Albrecht Acres Foundation, 14837 Sherrill Rd, Sherrill, IA 52073, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Sandy Koltes, the staff at Bethany Home, and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care of Eileen.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.