Obituary of Paul Arthur Miller

Paul Arthur Miller was born November 10, 1924 in Canby, MN to Art and Ida Miller. Following graduation from Canby High School in 1942, he enrolled in automotive coursework at Dunwoody Institute. Paul entered the Army in February 1943 and served in WWII in Germany and France. He was discharged in February 1946 and returned to Canby to work with his father in his implement business, as well as attending sales school at Vocational. He later purchased the business and continued to own/operate Miller Equipment until 2002.

Paul married Elaine Phelan July 5, 1947 at Incarnation Church in Minneapolis and celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2017. Elaine and Paul spent their entire married life in Canby, before moving to Buffalo in April 2017.

Paul was proud to be from Canby and spent his entire life giving back to his community. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, and Knights of Columbus. He served at - St Peter’s Church as an usher for 63 years, Canby American Legion Firing squad for 50 years, Canby Rotary for 43 years, Canby Fire Department for 26 years, Canby golf club member for 50 years, and sold raffle tickets for every church and community event in Canby.

In 1946, the Canby VFW created the Last Man’s Company a social club that was started with 72 members of men that had served in wars protecting our country. Each year they gathered to honor their fallen comrades. In 2014, Paul was recognized as ‘the last man standing’ of the Canby Last Man’s Company.

Paul loved playing cards, golfing, dancing, being with his family and friends, and wintering in Texas.

Paul passed away peacefully on May 3rd at The Glenn Assisted Living in Buffalo, MN at the age of 97.

Paul is survived by his children: James (Maggie) of Logan, UT and Peggy (Byron) Olson of Buffalo, MN; grandchildren Eric (Joanna) Miller, Justin (Jenni) Miller, Chad (Rachel) Olson, Scot (Laurie) Olson, and Kimberly (Brad) Beyer; great grandchildren Hannah, Luke, Ava, & Sophia Miller; Nevaeh, Emily, Daniel & Hunter Miller; Dylan, Myles, & Zachary Olson; Avery, Gavin, Taylor & Gigi Olson; and Bryce, Bryn & Nolan Beyer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Elaine, sister Penny, brothers-in-law Donald Christianson, Patrick Phelan, Ray Lock, and Richard Cook; and sisters-in-law Margie Lock, Ardell Cook, and Jean Phelan.

The family wishes to thank the AccentCare Hospice team, the staff at The Glenn Buffalo and the residents for the wonderful attention and care provided to Paul.

The family prefers memorials in Paul’s name be directed to Canby Blue & Gold Foundation, Canby Historic Lund-Hoel House, or charity of your choice.

A Mass will be held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN on May 17th at 11:00 am, with Military honors and internment at Fort Snelling on June 29th.