Dane Alan Miller, Ph.D., 69, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 10, 2015, while at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland.

Dr. Miller was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio Feb. 7, 1946, to Ruth and Ersie Miller. On Feb. 26, he married Mary Louise Schilke, who survives. Dr. Miller was a founder of Biomet, Inc. and served as its president and chief executive officer from its inception until March 2006, when he retired. Dr. Miller continued to be on the board of directors of Biomet as a result of the acquisition of the company by a private equity consortium, including Dr. Miller, in 2007.

Other family members surviving include two daughters: Kimberly (Ron) VanSessen and Stephany (Ed) Mullen, both of Valparaiso; four grandchildren: Dane Edward and Catie Mullen, Valparaiso; and Mark and Sarah VanSessen, Valparaiso; two brothers, Grant Miller, California and Neal Miller, Colorado and one sister, Julia Kussmaul, Oregon.

Dr. Miller received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in mechanical materials science engineering from General Motors Institute in 1969.  Dane then received his Masters and Ph.D. in material science-biomedical engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1971 and 1974, respectively.

A Warsaw/Winona Lake community resident for almost 40 years, Dr. Miller loved his family, his company (Biomet) and the community. Dr. Miller was honored by many institutions and organizations due to his business acumen and his philanthropy.  A partial listing includes: Outstanding Small Business Person in the State of Indiana, 1984; Business Week’s Top Performing CEO in delivering results to shareholders; Arthur Young and Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, 1989; Honorary Doctorate of Engineering, Rose Hulman Institute of Engineering; Warsaw Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, 2000; Chief Executive Magazine, most efficient shareholder wealth creator in Corporate America, 2002 and the Phoenix Lifetime Achievement Award, Healthcare Industry, 2009.

Dr. Miller’s professional activities and community involvement include: the Dean’s Council, College of Engineering, University of Cincinnati; American Society for Testing and Materials; International Society of Biomaterials; Orthopedic Research Society; Board of Directors, 1st Source Bank of South Bend, IN; Board of Trustees, Kettering University, Flint, MI; Board of Directors, University of Chicago Hospital; Co-Chairman, Finance and Development Committee, Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering; Fellow, National Academy of Engineering; Board of Directors, Orthopedic Device Forum; Board Member, Biotronic NeuroNetwork; Board of Directors, Indiana Development and Economic Committee (IDEC); and Board of Directors, University of Cincinnati.

Dr. and Mrs. Miller established the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation in order to provide financial assistance to various charitable organizations, in addition to educational scholarships.

A public memorial service will be held from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center, 610 Wooster Road, Winona Lake, IN 46590. If you are unable to personally attend the service a video feed is available by going to grace.edu and selecting “A Friend Remembered” and opening the “events feed” on that page. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to: Innovative Cancer Therapy Fund, Dr. Yogen Saunthararajah, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, R40, Cleveland, OH 44195; St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 424 W. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580; Women’s Care Center Foundation, 360 N. Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.

To sign the guest book or leave condolences electronically, visit McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel’s website.