Wendell Edwin Miller

There was a beautiful reunion in heaven last Tuesday, October 15th, when one of God’s choice sons, Wendell Miller, returned to his heavenly home reuniting with his first wife Susan, after a 51-year separation, and his second wife Portia, who passed away last year. He was also welcomed by many other cherished family members.

Wendell was the second child and first son of Annie and Ray Miller. Born on August, 12, 1940, he grew up on a small farm in Rigby, Idaho, milking and feeding cows, gathering eggs and feeding chickens. His family had a large garden and he helped with the weeding, irrigation, harvesting and canning. It was here he learned the value of thrift and hard work. Throughout his life, Wendell grew a garden. He loved fresh tomatoes and squash and would eat them non-stop each fall. On the farm he also gained a love of the outdoors, animals, God’s creations, and the importance of family.

After graduation from Rigby High School, Wendell attended Rick’s College where a fun semester of playing card games with friends led to some failed classes! He never forgot the lesson and never repeated the mistake. Later, Wendell was called to serve as a full-time missionary in the Great Lakes Mission, covering much of the northeastern United States, where his testimony of Jesus Christ and knowledge of the scriptures grew.

Wendell went on to study Electrical Engineering at Utah State University. During his senior year, a friend introduced him to Susan Smith. After graduation, Wendell moved to Illinois for work, but the distance didn’t stop him from realizing he wanted to marry Susan. He proposed the day after Thanksgiving, and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on February 6, 1967. Together, they had three children before Susan tragically passed away in 1973 following a battle with cancer.

Heart-broken, Wendell courageously embraced the challenge of raising three young children. He always had a soft spot in his heart for people who had lost a spouse and he frequently helped widows in the neighborhood with yard-work and home repairs.

Wendell met Portia Einzinger at a singles dance. She lovingly embraced Wendell and his children, and they were married on April 26, 1974. They added four additional children to their family.

Wendell cherished trips to Idaho to visit family and help his parents on the farm. After the Teton Dam broke in 1976, he quickly bypassed roadblocks to assist them.

He loved rafting the Snake River in Wyoming and expertly training his “crew” to “hit” the big waves. A lover of the outdoors, Wendell spent years camping, hiking, and sharing his talents with scout troops as a long-serving Scout Master. In his later years, he hiked Millcreek Canyon daily with his dog.

A life-long learner, Wendell read extensively, particularly about church history. His passion for family history led him to spend decades preserving family photos and documents. In his later years, he served a service mission as a Family History Consultant.

Wendell was resourceful and independent. If he didn’t know how to do something, he bought a book and figured it out. He spent hours maintaining and fixing his and his children’s cars. He was his own plumber, landscaper, computer technician, and maintenance man. He enjoyed wood-working and built a beautiful grandfather clock that sat proudly in his home.

For over a decade, Wendell and Portia served as temple workers at the Salt Lake Temple. They loved serving together and Wendell especially enjoyed studying the symbolism of the temple and the temple ceremony. His faith was deep as well as his love for his family. He was proud of his heritage. He made it a priority to attend baby blessings, baptisms, endowments, temple sealings, mission farewells and ordinations, for his immediate and extended family. Even though he sometimes struggled to express himself, his love was deep and sincere.

Wendell is survived by his seven children – Heidi (Tim) Semadeni, Lisa (Rob) Sweeten, John (Michele) Miller, Jennifer (Eric) Bullinger, Emily (Olin) Albertson, Sara (Glenn) Kowallis, and Matthew Miller – 26 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren – His siblings Gail White, Charles (Diane) Miller, Ross (Rosina) Miller, and John (Lori) Miller. He is preceded in death by his wives Susan Smith (1967-1973) and Portia Einzinger (1974-2023).

The family would like to express their heart-felt thanks for the many wonderful people and health care providers who lovingly cared for our father as he battled dementia.

A viewing will be Saturday, October 26th, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Holladay 2nd Ward building, 2065 E. 4675 S., Holladay, Utah. The funeral will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Internment will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Holladay Cemetery.