Richard "Rich" Miller
Richard Allen Miller of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away February 3, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born February 6, 1946, in Massena, Iowa to Albert and Frances Miller. Rich grew up on a farm near Corning alongside his three brothers. The Miller boys spent their days playing baseball in the pasture by the creek, shooting hoops in the barn, and helping with chores on the farm. These were lessons in teamwork and perseverance that shaped the rest of Rich’s life.
After attending grade school in a one-room schoolhouse, Rich went on to Corning High School where he played football, wrestled, and pitched for the baseball team. Following graduation he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (GO BIG RED!) on a combined baseball and wrestling scholarship. While there, he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, was admitted to the College of Pharmacy, and served as the college’s representative to the Associated Students of UNL. An unlucky ski accident and a fortunate introduction to rehabilitation changed his course. Rich became one of twelve students admitted to the first Physical Therapy class at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Rich often said being a part of that first class was the best thing that ever happened to him because one of those classmates was Karen Rieker, who became the love of his life and best friend. Rich and Karen graduated from the physical therapy school in 1972 and married in 1973, setting the stage for more than 52 years of partnership in both life and work that brought joy, care, and inspiration to many.
In 1974 Rich and Karen set off for Oregon where Rich was hired to start the first physical therapy department at what was then The Dalles General Hospital. Rich served as Director of Physical Therapy there for 10 years before partnering to form East Cascade Physical therapy, a private practice specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. He was an active member of the Oregon Physical Therapy Association and represented the state at the American Physical Therapy Association’s national conference. Rich loved every aspect of his work, but his favorite part was getting to know and care for each of his patients.
Outside of work, sports remained a centerpiece of Rich’s life. He ran marathons and achieved a personal goal when he qualified for and ran the Boston marathon in 1993. A devoted coach and mentor, Rich served on local baseball boards for the Hustlers, Babe Ruth, and Little League programs, proudly coaching the Little League All-Stars to a third-place finish in the state tournament in 1991. He loved golfing with his friends at The Dalles Country Club, white-water rafting and the Oregon coast. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church where over the years he served on council, was president of the congregation, and president of the trust fund.
After retirement, Rich enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing, tending his garden, and rooting for his favorite teams. He faced his journey with ALS with courage, grace, and gratitude, always thankful for the love and support that surrounded him.
Rich is survived by his beloved wife Karen, his daughter Brittany and her husband Miles Imwalle, his son Collin and his wife Maya Miller and grandchildren Elise, Abigail, Isabel and Isla. He is also survived by his brothers Tom Miller and Pat Miller, and was preceded in death by his oldest brother Dale Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Rich’s memory be made to ALS Northwest (825 NE Multnomah, Suite 940, Portland, OR 97232), an organization instrumental in supporting Rich and his family and others living with ALS in the area, Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund, or a charitable organization of your choosing.
A Memorial Service will be held February 16, 2026 at the Zion Lutheran Church, 101 W 10th St, The Dalles, OR 97058. at 11:00am with a Reception to Follow at The Grill Steak and Seafood, 4550 Highway 30W, The Dalles, OR 97058.