William “Bill” Miller

William “Bill” Miller

Bill MillerBill L. Miller age 79 of rural Garvin passed away peacefully Saturday, September 6, 2014 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation is 5:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment is in Bethel Cemetery near Garvin. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

William “Bill” L. Miller was born May 21, 1935, to Ralph and Amy Miller of Blue Earth, MN. Bill was raised on a farm near Blue Earth where he began a lifelong love of westerns, horses, and airplanes. He took instruction to fly and earned his pilot’s license in his teens. He also joined the Army National Reserve. In his early 20’s he headed west to Keldron, SD, where he worked as a ranch hand on the Sutton Bros. cattle ranch on the Grand River for several years. He met his wife Bonnie in South Dakota. They married in November 1964 and moved to Tracy, MN where Bill worked for the MN Valley Breeders Assn. Bill assisted his dad with his farm operation after his parents moved to Balaton. He especially enjoyed running farm implements at harvest time. Bill owned several small aircraft and enjoyed recreational flying. He started a local business instructing students, as well as providing charter flights and ag aerial spraying in 1968. He flew many hours over countless acres of crops and pastures until 1996, when injuries sustained in an aircraft accident rendered him unable to continue the business. He loved horses and built his own small herd on their Tracy acreage. Bill had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and 4-wheeling, especially in western South Dakota.

Those whose lives he touched will remember Bill for his welcoming smile and good conversation. Bill is survived by his wife Bonnie and their children: Marty (Dana Tennison) Miller of Minneapolis, Pam Illg of St. Joseph, and Justin Miller of St. Paul; son-in-law Rick Illg of St. Joseph; grandchildren Bailey and Cade Illg; sister Barbara Schibble of Delevan; and brother Ronald “Skip” Miller of Bowling Green, KY. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Amy Miller and his sister Marilyn Krosch.

A special thank you to all the hospice staff and friends who helped out and visited during Bill’s illness. Your support and friendship was valuable during a difficult time.

 

 

9 thoughts on “William “Bill” Miller”

  1. Bonnie and family, We are so sorry to hear about Bill. It was always fun to visit with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Fred and Karen

  2. Pastor Carol Smith

    Pam and family, our deepest sympathies to you all. My prayers are with you at this time of loss. Pam, having lost both parents myself, I understand the depth of loss you may feel at this time. He must have been a great guy to have such a great, compassionate daughter like you. God’s comfort be with you at this time.

  3. Pam,
    So sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love is never easy. I did not know your father, but if he is anything like you, we lost a great one! My condolences to your family.
    AG

  4. Bill and I had some good times together riding Smoky & Chico, camping out and enjoying nature.
    A great fella. He will be missed.

  5. Bonnie, so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with you two and was truly impressed by your love for one another. My deepest sympathy.
    Deb Enderson

  6. Kristin Campbell Harner

    Miller Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Bill for his jolly smile and his good and kind nature. My sympathy to all of you. May God Be with all of you during this difficult time.
    Kristin Campbell Harner

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