Theodore Esch Miller

Ted grew up in Bellevue, IL as the first son of a pastor and doctor. He was older brother to Steve and Kathy. He trusted Jesus as his Savior at a young age. After graduating from Limestone High School (Bartonville) he attended Prairie Bible Institute (Alberta, Canada), completing with a diploma.

On September 2, 1962, Ted married Carol Goetz. Ted and Carol settled on the farm in rural Hanna City where Carol grew up. He worked on the farm with his father-in-law, Al Goetz.

Ted had a variety of occupations through his working years--farmer, Morton Metalcraft employee, propane gas delivery driver, other jobs serving people, culminating with pastoring a small church, Zion Evangelical UMC.

Ted had a special interest and involvement with local ministries, namely Teen Challenge and Southside Mission. He also faithfully taught Sunday School at First United Methodist Church, Peoria.

Ted’s life encompassed many vital roles, each one undertaken as God’s appointed assignment: a devoted family man, a trusted and loyal friend, a respecter of Truth, a knowledgeable Bible teacher, a laborer with a strong work ethic, a compassionate pastor, and a proud farmer and steward of God’s earth. Above all, Ted was a child of God, who committed his life to serving Him faithfully in each capacity.

He is survived by his wife Carol and his children: Jeff (Timberly) Miller, Melissa (Nate) Peterson, and brother Steve (Ann) Miller and sister Kathy Johnson. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, David Johnson.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Mattie (Austin) Bennett, Ethan (Erin) Peterson, Noah Miller, Sophie (Blake) Flanders, Joel Peterson, and his great-grandchildren Clarabelle, Henry, and Ezekiel.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Ave., Peoria, IL from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Interment will be in Limestone Cemetery following the services.

Memorials may be made to Teen Challenge or the First United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be left for Ted’s family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com