Benjamin F. Miller, 90 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at his residence. He was born on Tuesday, April 4, 1922 in Adams County, Indiana the son of the late Henry C. Miller and the late Alma (Eickhoff) Miller. He married Norma L. Krueckeberg on January 6, 1946 in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Ben served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a cryptographer technician, assigned to the 5th Air Force, Pacific Theater for 2 ½ years in the 499th Squadron of the 345th Bomb Group; the most decorated Air Force Unit in the Pacific Theatre. He was decorated with the Pacific ribbon with ten battle stars, the Presidential unit citation with two clusters, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one star. Ben was a life member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim and a life member of the NRA. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur where he was a Past Commander, member of the Color Guard, and also served for many years as the Chaplain. In addition, he was also a member of the Geneva V.F.W. Post #6751. Ben was a graduate of Monmouth High School in 1941. He was employed by General Electric Company in Fort Wayne for 40 years and much of that time was spent as a Union Steward. In addition, he was also a part-time farmer. Surviving are his wife, Norma L. Miller of Decatur, IN, daughter, Janice (Donald) Rary of Marietta, Ohio; daughter, Margene (John) Brown of Marietta, Ohio, and son, Glen (Cindy) Miller of Milan, Indiana. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Angela Rary, Greg Rary, Nicholas Brown, Rev. Alex Brown, Matthew Miller, Alan Miller and Rachel Miller. Preceding Ben in death was a sister, Dorothy (Erxleben) Droege. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 in the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Rev. Daniel Dahling officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim with Military Graveside Services to be conducted by Adams Post #43 Color Guard. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 3 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim; American Legion Post #43 Color Guard; or the donor's choice.
