Valerie D. Callahan Miller

VALERIE DORA (CALLAHAN) MILLER, 69, of Fort Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 18, 1943, in Niles, Mich., she was a daughter of the late William Joseph Callahan who lost his life serving our country in World War II and the late Patricia Mae Peters. After her mother remarried, she was raised by the late James R. George. She was a 1961 graduate of South Side High School and a 1964 nursing graduate of Lutheran School. She began her nursing career with Dr. Kermit Perrin and then with Dr. Richard Connelly. Later, she managed Medical Dental Home Health Care on Lake Avenue for over 25 years. She enjoyed sewing clothes for Barbie and American Doll with her mother to the delight of many little girls. She was a volunteer for 10 years at the Embassy Theatre, Since 1968, she and her husband, Larry, had been members of Fort Wayne Turners. In 1994, she received the 'Vorwarts Award' which is the highest distinction for a Fort Wayne Turner member. In 2000, she had the honor of being the first female president of Fort Wayne Turners. She volunteered countless hours organizing the annual Turner garage sale, working at Germanfest, Johnny Appleseed, and Wing Dings, to name a few. Her servant's heart could be most seen in the time she spent assisting Turner families - organizing benefits and estate sales. She spent many years bowling with her husband, family and friends. In 2011, she and her daughter, Joleen were Fort Wayne Women's City Bowling Champions in team and doubles events. Most of all, Valerie enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. Whether it was a trip to New York City, Gatlinburg or the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Valerie and Larry enjoyed every moment. She is survived by her husband of almost 48 years, Larry R.; daughter, Joleen E. (Brian) Gottwald; son, Jason E. (Vanessa) Miller; and six beautiful grandchildren, Nathan and Aaron Burns, Ty and Torie Miller, and Zach and Nick Gottwald; sisters, Linda (Jack) Christen of Maryville, Tenn., Patty (Jim) Wolfcale of Columbia City and Jean (Dave) Fry of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law, Dave Miller; and her nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Fort Wayne Turners, 3636 Parnell Ave., followed by a memorial dinner at 5:30 p.m. Visitation with the family is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at Klaehn, FahI & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. Valerie wished memorials to The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo or Fort Wayne Turners. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com