Obituary: Richard Allen Miller, The Dalles
Richard Allen Miller of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away Feb. 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS.
He was born Feb. 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. Those early years taught 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 on a combined baseball and wrestling scholarship. While there, he joined the 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, leading Rich to become one of 12 students admitted to the first physical therapy class at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Rich often said being 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 physical therapy school in 1972 and married in 1973, beginning more than 52 years of partnership in both life and work that brought joy, care and inspiration to many.
In 1974, Rich and Karen moved to Oregon, where Rich was hired to start the first physical therapy department at what was then The Dalles General Hospital. He served as director of physical therapy 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. While Rich loved every aspect of his work, his favorite part was getting to know and caring for each of his patients.
Outside of work, sports remained a central part 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 at the state tournament in 1991. He enjoyed golfing with friends at The Dalles Country Club, whitewater rafting and trips to the Oregon coast. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, where 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 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. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Dale Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to ALS Northwest, 825 NE Multnomah St., Suite 940, Portland, OR 97232; the Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund; or a charitable organization of the donor’s choosing.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Services will be held Monday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow at The Grill at The Dalles Country Club.
