Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MILLER, Robert McGrath
MILLER, Robert McGrath. (Dubuque, IA, November 16, 1942--Dubuque, IA, August 8, 2021) Dr. Robert “Bob” McGrath Miller was the son of Arthur J. and Annetta (McGrath) Miller, Sr.. Except for a few early years at Lattnerville and Graf, IA and graduate school years, Bob lived his entire life in Dubuque. He graduated from DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL in 1960 and the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE in 1964. He earned an M.S. in biology and a Ph.D. in botany, at the University of Iowa. Bob met Janice Butler Downey, in 1968, and they were married on July 27, 1969, at ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Bob began his college teaching career at the University of Dubuque in 1966, and he was on the faculty there until 2004. He retired as Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. Highlights of his teaching career were teaching field courses and the development of the Environmental Science major at Dubuque, along with fond memories of the many students and advisees that he served over his 38 years of teaching at the University.
As a member at St. Matthew, Bob served in many roles, including congregational chairman. In later years, he and Janice joined the church family at LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Bob had a true love for the family Century Farm at Lattnerville that was in his family from 1853 to 2013, and was very happy to see it become a county park and wildlife area. Bob kept a parcel on Girl Scout Road, where he had a log cabin built that provided years of quiet enjoyment. Somewhat late in life, Bob developed a love for the Mississippi River, taking family and friends out on his pontoon boat. Notable was Bob’s role as organizer for a very close group of buddies who “hung out” since attending school together, most of whom were members of the ‘Hempstead Hillbillies’.
Bob served for years as a board member of the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation Board, assisting with many projects in the county, particularly Heritage Trail which passes by the Miller-McGrath farm. He also served on the Dubuque Civil Service Commission and on the board of the Mississippi River Research Consortium.
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