Obituary of Kenneth R. Miller

Kenneth R. Miller, age 89, died on Christmas Eve, 2017 at The Colony in Eden Prairie, MN, from congestive heart failure. He was born on May 24, 1928 to Arthur Ross Miller and Emma Waterstrat at the family farm in Hammond Township. Ken grew up on the farm, attended the “Round” country school with his cousins, and two years at Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston. Ken married Merle Lee Stone, December 26, 1950. Merle, the daughter of Walter Powell and Alice Lee Stone, preceded him in death January of 2011. Shortly after their wedding, Ken left to serve in the U.S. Army at Fort Smith, Arkansas where his son, Kenneth R. Miller, Jr. was born December 25, 1951. Merle and infant son, Ken, followed Ken, Sr. to Germany and at the end of his service they returned to the farm in Hammond township. Daughters, Janna and Julie were born in 1955 and 1958. In 1979, Ken was awarded the Conservation Farm of Polk County Award. After retiring from the farm he and Merle used their skills helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity. Ken was known for his Christian values, hard work, sense of humor, patience, gentleness and fair-mindedness. He taught his children how to care for the animals, work on the farm, and encouraged their involvement in 4-H Club. He often took the family on long road trips to visit Merle’s family in Idaho and Washington stopping at National Parks and ski resorts along the way. Sundays were observed together at the First Presbyterian Church in Crookston where the family shared their gifts of music. Left to honor him and remember his patience and love are Ken (Linda) Miller Jr., Janna (Dave) Braun, Julie (Craig) Money; seven grandchildren; Loren (Lizzy) Miller, Alex (Jessica) Miller, Elizabeth (Jon Paul) Hunten, Nicholas (Jessica) Rennich, Austin (Maria) Rennich, Lee Ross (Megan) Hammarback, John Hammarback; nine great-grandchildren: Gabe, Elliot, Natalie, Max, Drew, Vivian, Rosie, Bauer & Adler. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed. Celebration of Ken’s life will be Monday, July 2, 2018 at 2:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 510 N Broadway, Crookston, MN 56716. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the the First Presbyterian Church or the Merle S. Miller Music Scholarship at Crookston Central High School, 402 Fisher Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716.