We were saddened to hear of the passing of Zach Miller, cohort 2004 and 2008 graduate of the JD Edwards Program / Raikes School. We send our condolences to Zach’s cohort, family and friends. Zach’s obituary is below:
On Friday, July 20th, 2018, Zachary Miller, beloved son of Ray and Sheila Miller and treasured brother to Ashley, Karrah and Rachel, took his first breath in heaven. He courageously fought a long, hard 5 1/2 yr. battle with cancer. He was 33 years old and resided in Seattle, WA, until it became necessary for him to move back to Aurora with his parents.
Zach was born, June 9th ,1985, in Minneapolis, MN, and at one year old moved to Aurora, NE with his parents and grew up on the family farm. He was quick to learn how to drive any piece of equipment and loved helping his dad and grandpa on the farm. Zach had an insatiable love to learn. As a young boy, his bright eyes were always asking questions and his love of learning continued his whole life. He attended Aurora Schools through 4th grade and then was homeschooled through high school. He attended University of Nebraska in the JD Edwards program for computer engineering.
Zach worked at Heritage Bank in Aurora in the bookkeeping department through high school, and the summers during college worked for Garmin in Kansas City, Microsoft in Fargo, ND, and Hudl in Lincoln, NE. After college, he was recruited to work for Microsoft in Seattle, WA, as a developer and worked there until the present.
Zach loved skiing, hiking, traveling, playing any game, enjoyed music, playing the piano and guitar, and even composed some songs. He had a heart for people and was a loyal friend. He loved his family and was so proud of his three sisters. Zach’s life was most influenced by the words of Jesus in the Bible and his desire to honor his Savior. He loved going to church and was active in serving there. Zach is treasured for his kindness, genuineness, integrity, generosity, and courage. His family and friends will miss his great sense of humor, laugh, smile, positive outlook and love for life. We celebrate Zach’s home going to heaven yet deeply grieve the loss of his presence with us. We hold on to the sure hope that will be together again.
“He knows the way I take, when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” Job 23:10
“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9
He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Bob Kremer and John Miller.
Those left to cherish Zachary’s memory are his parents, Ray and Sheila Miller of Aurora and three sisters, Ashley (Thomas) Hofer of Yankton, SD, Karrah (Josh) Swore of Lake Forest Park, WA and Rachel Miller of Minn., MN, three nephews, Jett, Tripp and Gatlin, grandmothers, Bev Kremer of Aurora and Grace Miller of Harleysville, PA., many other friends and family.
