Thomas L. Miller

Tom was a man who loved his family and friends and once said, “My attitude about life… it’s to live life to the fullest that you can realistically – that doesn’t mean bungee jumping.” He lived meaningfully for almost 93 years, and strived to embody his deepest values of faith, love, stability, and trust.

Tom grew up in Columbus where he became an Eagle Scout, graduated from Kramer High School in 1950 and went on to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating in 1954 with his Bachelor of Science in business administration with distinction. Becoming a proud lifelong Cornhusker fan, he was a member of UNL Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, serving as Treasurer. He was also a member of the Kosmet Klub.

He completed UNL Army ROTC, graduating as one of two Commanders and receiving a 2nd Lieutenant commission in May 1954. He served in US Army Artillery, then taught military communications at Fort Sill and was attached to Ford Hood. He was released from active duty in December 1956 and retained 1st Lieutenant grade in reserve. He was also a single engine pilot until 1968.

Tom married Courtney C. Campbell on November 4, 1960, building a beautiful family life together for 33 years until her death in 1994. Their children: son, Todd C. Miller and daughter, Alisa A. Miller. Todd married Mary Haggerty, their children: Christopher J. Miller, and Kelly A. Miller. Alisa married Jason Artemiuk, their children: Theodore A. Artemiuk and Elsa C. Artemiuk.

Professionally, Tom’s successful career in Insurance fostered friendships and community ties. He became a partner with Chambers-Dobson Insurance in 1962. In 1987, he envisioned and led the formation of UNICO Group and was co-founder, the merger of Reynolds Blake Simmons and Chambers-Dobson Financial Services, where he retired as Chairman in 1997 and served on the UNICO Board until 2002.

On January 29, 1995, Tom married Norma D. Ruth, enjoying 30 years of marriage and gaining a loving extended family of Larry Ruth and his wife Anne, Katherine Tarkian and her husband Bagher, Michael Ruth and his wife Maritza, and Jennifer Sommerhalder and her husband Scott.

His grandchildren: Christopher J. Miller and Kelly A. Miller (Lakewood, CO), Theodore A. Artemiuk (Milller) and Elsa Artemiuk (Miller) (Wayzata, MN), Alec and Jace Ruth (Highlands Ranch, CO), Amir and Elizeh Tarkian (Lincoln, NE), Lauren and Jackson Sommerhalder (Overland Park, KS).

Tom believed in serving his community and held numerous positions including on the Board of the Lincoln Symphony Association, active in Rotary 14 and United Way Board Committees, Treasurer of Friendship Home, later serving on the Family Violence Council, member of Country Club of Lincoln, Leisure Lake Association (Fremont, NE), and the Lincoln Investors Club. He was a Longtime member of First Plymouth Congregational Church since 2005, and previously of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Passionate about music and a lifelong pianist, he played for his family daily and he attended musical performances across the U.S. and Europe. He loved the outdoors that brought him serenity, including tending to his backyard garden, spending summers at Leisure Lake, fishing at the Miller family cabin on Leach Lake, MN and enjoying Telluride and Estes Park, CO, Canada, and Alaska. He dabbled in woodworking and made delicious plum pudding, gooseberry pie and homemade vanilla ice cream during hot summers.

Preceded in death by his wife Courtney C. Miller, his brother David P. Miller and his parents, Laura M. (Brunken) Miller and Leonard S. Miller and parents-in-law, John and Alice (Heldt) Campbell of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He treasured the love and companionship of Courtney Campbell and Norma Ruth, who both brought joy to chapters in his life and was grateful for 64 years of shared memories with his children and grandchildren, making his journey one of love and fulfillment.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 28th at 2:00 p.m. at First-Plymouth Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 13th at Noon at Wilderness Ridge Country Club, 1800 Wilderness Woods Pl.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Home of Lincoln and First Plymouth Church in his honor.

LINK TO VIEW APRIL 13th CELEBRATION: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/c13asqn8m3ryqrhsxwclk/Miller-Celebration-Of-Life.mp4?rlkey=kupcv1xp06fifn0yeg4y0v8f3&st=lsq0tymz&dl=0