Dennis Wayne Miller, age 80, died peacefully on August 22, 2024, at his home in Heppner, Oregon, after a courageous battle with COPD and Asbestosis.

Dennis was born in Portland, Oregon on October 1,1943 while his father was working in the shipyards during WWII. The family returned to Ketchum, Idaho, where he spent his childhood and youth being loved by his three older sisters, skiing, Bald Mountain (Sun Valley) and running around town with his buddies. In particular his cousin, Dave Nance. He graduated from Hailey High School in Hailey, Idaho.

Dennis married Jane Exner in 1963 and joined the US Air Force. He proudly served for 5 years and was stationed in Alaska and Montana. He and Jane welcomed 2 sons, Brock and Jason, whom he loved so dearly.

Upon his return to the "Wood River Valley" he became a carpenter and made it his lifelong career. He remained in Hailey until he moved to Payette, Idaho in 1974. In 1975 he met the love of his life, Pennie Freel in Payette through the insistent matchmaking of his sisters, Arlene and Shirley.

The couple married two years later and spent 43 years together as best friends, business partners and loving companions. Dennis and Pennie moved to Heppner, Oregon in 1978, for the opportunity to become an independent contractor. He built homes, remodeled his home and many others and mentored younger professionals to become excellent contractors. He then took on a different role as a businessman in the oil and customer service industries. Dennis and Pennie bought "Millers' Mini Mart and Chevron" and carwash, "Millers Car Wash". He successfully ran this business for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoyed his time meeting and greeting new and old customers with his big smile and willingness to serve. He then returned to contracting until he retired at age 62.

Dennis enjoyed being a member of the Heppner community, joining the Elks Lodge #358, golfing, hunting, and fishing with friends, playing cards, shooting pool and drinking Beer! He was also a strong supporter of his wife, Pennie, who was an EMT for the community for over 42 years.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, his sons, and all the family and friends who were so blessed to have him in their lives. He is survived by his wife, Pennie, dear friend ("sister"), Peggy, 2 sons, Brock and Jason (Traci), 3 grandsons, Brock Jr., Bradley and Nicholas, 3 granddaughters, Kasia, Keira, and Clarissa, 4 great grandsons, Allen, Brock III, Crew and Micah and 1 great granddaughter, Audrey, 7 nieces and many more great nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Miller and Evelyn Young, his 3 sisters, Shirley, Virginia and Arlene, his grandson Travis, 1 niece, Julie and 2 nephews, Lynn and Howard.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Heppner Elks Lodge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heppner Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 743, Heppner, OR 97836.