State And Local Leaders Remember Former Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller

Updated May 24, 2021 at 6:28 PM

Former Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller has died, according to a press release from current Mayor Rod Roberson's office, which said Miller died at Elkhart General Hospital Sunday due to complications from COVID-19. He was 62.

Miller, a Republican, served as Elkhart’s mayor from 2000 to 2007. During that time, he helped found the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County and helped revive the Lerner Theatre.

In a Facebook post, Lerner Theatre officials said they will "forever be grateful for the part he played in our history for our community.”

Prior to his two terms as mayor, Miller served four years on the Elkhart City Council. U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski said in a statement, “his leadership made Elkhart a better place for Hoosiers to live, work, and thrive.”

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement Monday, "Dave Miller's long love for Elkhart was obvious from his first hello or handshake."

After leaving office in 2007, Miller worked in the R-V industry until 2017. He then partially retired and drove a bus for Concord Community Schools. A Concord spokesperson said he was a “beloved” presence in the district.

Miller ran unsucessfully for a third term against current Mayor Rod Roberson in 2019.

 
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elkhart’s former mayor Dave Miller," Roberson said in a statement. "I had been following his progress and remained hopeful for his recovery. Personally, my wife, Regina and I are praying for and with the entire Miller family. On behalf of the City of Elkhart, I express my condolences to his wife, Connie, and the entire family. We are so grateful for Dave and his years of dedicated service to this city and the entire Elkhart community.”

Elkhart City Councilmen David Henke, Kevin Bullard and Aaron Mishler all posted their condolences to social media as well.