Connie Jane Miller

Connie Jane (Geer) Miller, 82, of Mason City, IA, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 18, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was deeply loved by her family and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 119 S Georgia Ave., with Pastor Jon Montgomery officiating. A visitation will be held an hour prior at the church. A luncheon will follow at the church. A private family burial will be held in the Rockwell Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed towards the First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Connie was born February 24, 1943 in Rockwell, IA, to Milton and Marlys (Lillibridge) Geer. She was the youngest and only daughter of three children.

Growing up, Connie was involved in and excelled at everything she pursued including dance, piano, softball, track, basketball, and band. She also accompanied fellow students on the piano during solo contests. After Rockwell consolidated with Swaledale her junior year, she was honored to represent her high school as band queen at the North Iowa Band Festival. She was valedictorian of her 1961 graduating class.

Connie also loved having horses in her youth. Her pride and joy was Queen, a beautiful mare who gave birth to several colts including twin fillies.

Along with her family, she was active with the Methodist Church in Rockwell. She even served as church organist after her grandfather, Avery Geer, retired from the role. She played for countless services, weddings, and funerals throughout her high school years.

Connie graduated from the University of Iowa in 1965 with a major in elementary education and a minor in psychology. She lived in Hillcrest her first year of college, then joined Alpha Chi Omega which led to a home-away-from-home with her sorority sisters for her remaining time in college and to many lifelong friendships.

Connie was married to the love of her life for 60 years. She and Larry raised three children - Tammy, Jason, and Jeff - in Mason City. Larry kept busy with his Standard Oil stations, and Connie kept busy teaching school for several years, running the children to their activities, and keeping everyone fed and happy. Her family was very important to her, and her life revolved around their involvements. The couple attended countless events in support of their children, from ball games and gymnastics meets to Boy Scout meetings and band concerts.

Connie supported the athletic and music boosters at Mason City High School and volunteered at Mercy Hospital. She especially enjoyed being a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mason City. She shared many gifts with her church community over the years including playing the piano for Saturday evening worship. All of her children grew up in the church, and her daughter and son-in-law were married there.

Connie loved being a wife and mother; and as her family grew, she loved being a grandma. Her two grandsons and two granddaughters brought her great joy and could always count on her for a warm smile, a big hug, and a treat or two. She was a gracious host for family gatherings and her homemade goodies also traveled well. Besides treasured memories, the family has several treasured recipes of hers.

She also instilled a love of music in her grandkids by playing and singing with them at the piano and helping them learn to read music. Several grandkids also followed her lead by taking up the saxophone. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend their musical and athletic events.

Connie's family enjoyed boating at Clear Lake and vacationing together regularly in the Minnesota Northwoods. They also have special memories from trips to Florida, Branson, Adventureland, and the Wisconsin Dells and simply being together at home.

Besides spending time with family, Connie and Larry enjoyed each other's company whether they were watching an Iowa or Iowa State game, taking a winter escape, going out to eat, or playing cards together.

Connie is survived by her husband, Larry Miller, of Mason City, IA; daughter Tammy (Todd) Hove of Decorah, IA; son Jason Miller of Mason City, IA; son Jeffrey Miller of Mason City, IA; grandson Kyle (Lindsey) Hove of Plymouth, MN; granddaughter Alexis (Kolten) LaMiaux of Stevensville, MT; granddaughter Joselyn Miller of Spencer, IA; grandson Jaxson Miller of Clear Lake, IA; and great grandson Ozzie Hove of Plymouth, MN.

She is also survived by her two brothers: Don (Anita) Geer of Clive, IA and Jack (Jane) Geer of Rockwell, IA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Marlys Geer.