Richard L 'Dick' Miller

Army

Richard L “Dick” Miller, 86, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Sun City West, AZ, where he called home for the past 15 years.
 
Dick was born in 1938 in Madison, WI, to Theron and Margorie Miller. He was the oldest of 4 children. As a youngster, Dick developed a life-long love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.  He attended Madison East High School. At 17 years old, Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1955 to see the world, then switched military branches in 1963 to join the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) where he served with the highest distinction in what became a highly decorated career. Dick was most proud of his 2 tours serving in Vietnam, receiving our Nation’s second highest awards for heroism and valor in combat – the Distinguished Service Cross was bestowed as a battlefield commission. He also received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for valor, and numerous other decorations. 

After his honorable discharge at the rank of Captain in 1976, Dick returned to his adopted home of Boise, Idaho. He joined and served in the Boise Police Department for the next 21 years of his career, serving a number of roles, most notably as a detective and forgery expert. Dick completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Golden Gate University while serving in the U.S. Army and his Masters Degree from the College of Idaho while serving in the Boise Police Department.  

Retiring from public service in 1998, he and his wife, Rose Mary Jacobsen-Miller, moved first to Sequim, WA, and ultimately to Sun City West, AZ.  After retirement Dick and Rose Mary enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, including returning to Vietnam where he was very well received by the Vietnamese people.
 
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Bonnie, and a wife, Sue Ann.  Survivors include a sister Dawn (Dennis), a brother Theron, Dick’s wife, Rose Mary, his children and step-children, Stephanie, Richard Jr. (Caroline), Lori (Guy), Amanda (Cort) and Rebecca (Collin), 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
 
Dick requested any donations made in his memory to please be made to Organizations that support our Veterans and their families.  
 
Final interment will be held on a future date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.