Max Miller

Max Morley Miller, 77, was born March 16, 1943, in Fontanelle, the son of Art and Clio (Morley) Miller. He passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2020, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family.

Max grew up on the Fontanelle square in a three-rise building. He spent most of his youth playing in the park. He attended high school in Fontanelle and was an excellent athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track. He spent his free time with his best friend Denny Hansen (West Des Moines) trapping, playing poker and fishing.

After graduation, he attended the University of Northern Iowa with studies in education. He spent his summers working for Schildberg’s Construction driving a gravel truck with his father Art.

Max’s father Art passed away when Max was 21 years old. Despite the loss, Max finished his college education and became a teacher.

Max taught at several schools, but the majority of his career was spent teaching mathematics to junior high and high school students at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. He often told his family and friends stories about a group of students whose unique rhythm made teaching them in general classrooms difficult. Max decided to take these students alone and teach them general studies. Many of these students went onto excel under the direction of Mr. Rogers (a nickname he picked up from his favorite students). Max made a promise to these students; if they succeeded in their studies, he would take them fishing in Canada. A promise he fulfilled.

After retiring his teaching career; Max went on to travel the United States playing professional poker and winning several poker tournaments. These travels allowed him the opportunity to meet new people; people who would grow to love and cherish him through lifelong friendships.

His love of travel would take him backpacking through Europe, scuba diving in New Zealand, off-roading in the hills of Mexico, boating in Australia, fishing in Canada, relaxing in Hawaii in addition to other destinations. He loved adventure. His most prized adventure was spent with the love of his life, Barb, over the last 12 years.

He is survived by Barb Poulson and family of Arizona, his niece Tara (Lamborn) Fisk of Fontanelle.

He is preceded in death by his father Art Miller, his mother Clio (Morely) Miller and his sister Marlene “Mollie” (Miller) Lamborn.

Max will be loved and remembered forever for his kind heart, impeccable sense of humor, generosity and incredible mind. Max was so good at life.

A Celebration of Life for Max will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle on April 17, 2021.