Harlan D. "Shorty" Miller

Harlan D. “Shorty” Miller, age 86, of Strasburg, passed away on June 1, 2026, at home, surrounded by his children.

Harlan was born in Parral on November 25, 1939, to the late Vernon and Arlene (Haas) Miller. After graduating from Strasburg High School in 1957, he went on to work for Timken Steel and retired in 1998 after 39 years of service to the company. Fondly known as “Shorty” at work, he was a jack of all trades that could fix anything. No task was outside his scope of knowledge, and no matter what the problem, he would always find a way to remedy it. Harlan will also be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, and loved all that the land could offer. His favorite pastimes were tending his garden, deer hunting with his brothers Jim and Larry, fishing on Lake Erie with Larry, and trapping.

On December 23, 1961, he married Helen Wolfe, and the two shared 59 years of marriage until her passing on February 4, 2021. The couple raised three children, and were always together. They especially enjoyed canning vegetables Harlan grew in the garden and processing his latest hunt. He had a special affinity for trapping turtles, which Helen would then turn into her famous turtle soup.

Harlan will be deeply missed by his children, Sherry Hershberger of Florida, Lisa (Tim) Pedersen of Dover, and Joey Miller of Strasburg; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Craig, Jordan Hershberger, Jace Hershberger, Taylor (Austin) Troyer, Emily (Mitchell) Crilow, Harley (Brandon) Diehl, Mason (Megan) Miller, and Riley Miller; and six great-grandchildren, Cullen and Emilia Craig, Garrett and Gavin Troyer, Althea Hershberger, and Oliver Miller; brothers, Larry (Sue) Miller of Strasburg and Jim (Carol) Miller of Scio; sister, Jane Andreas of Strasburg, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, his sisters, Rita Rowe and Edith Sisson preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Traditions Health at 238 Front Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

In honoring Harlan’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory in Strasburg. The family will be greeting friends at the Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Strasburg on Friday, June 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00, with a service officiated by Pastor Jason Rissler beginning at noon. Please visit the funeral home’s website to sign an online guestbook.