Donald Miller

Donald R. Miller, 94, Browns Valley, MN, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley with Rev. Paul Warnier officiating. Music will be provided by organist Ginny Westbrock and vocalists Sue Sykora and Stacey Borgheiinck.

Burial will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Browns Valley. Military honors will be provided by the William Krensing American Legion Post 58 of Browns Valley.

Visitation will be Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donald Roy Miller was born May 18, 1922, to Roy "Riley" and Hilda (Hanson) Miller in Browns Valley, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley. He grew up in the area and attended school in Browns Valley. On March 26, 1941, Donald entered the U.S. Army. He served overseas in a reconnaissance battalion in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He earned the World War II Victory Ribbon, Bronze Arrowhead, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 Bronze Service Stars, the American Defense Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Ribbon. He was honorably discharged November 10, 1945.

On August 8, 1946, Donald married Shirley I. Ward in Browns Valley. Throughout his lifetime, Donald worked at numerous jobs. He started out doing carpentry work for J.D. Andrews. Along with his wife Shirley, he leased and managed the Pleasant Park Café (later Ike's Chicken Shack). He then worked as a car mechanic for Dusty Falkingham in Browns Valley. Donald also worked with his family; he owned Miller Fish with his brother Ward, gravel trucks with his brother Gordie, and heavy duty equipment with his brother Ward. He was also employed in the iron mines in Babbitt, MN, and worked road construction on Interstate 94 from Minneapolis to Buffalo, WY. Shirley passed away March 28, 2004.

Donald was a member of the William Krensing American Legion Post 58 of Browns Valley and the VFW Post 3342 of Sisseton, SD. He also served on the church and cemetery boards.

Donald loved hunting, fishing, trapping and Sunday drives. He really enjoyed watching NASCAR, owning and driving fast cars, and cheering only for FORD.

Survivors include his sons, Glenn (Koko) Miller of Eagle Bend, MN, and Mark (Hazel) Miller of Browns Valley; son-in-law, Tom Schoenrock of Wahpeton, ND; nine grandchildren, Dawn (T.J.) Schultz, Chris Schoenrock, Michelle (Jeff) Saiko, Benjie (Brenda) Schoenrock, Donnie Schoenrock, Michelle (Larry) Lehn, Riley (Heidi) Miller, Danielle (Casey) Lesmeister and Andrew Miller; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a sister-in-law, Frances Miller of Browns Valley; and many niece and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Janice; five sisters; and two brothers.