Obituary: Merlin Miller

Merlin Earl Miller (Speed), 90, passed away March 31, 2019 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND. Funeral services were held April 6, 2019 at Kvernes Lutheran Church in Carrington, N.D. Burial was at the Kvernes Lutheran Cemetery, Carrington. Rev. Rick Loewen officiated and special music was provided by Jean Miller. Casket bearers were Phillip Parlow, Samuel Partlow, William Partlow, Colin Miller and Brady Miller. Honorary bearers included Rylee and August Partlow, all family, friends, and Central North Dakota Steam Threshers.

Merlin Miller was born Sept. 17, 1928 in Nordmore Township, Foster County, to August and Emma (Gussiaas). He attended Nordmore School #4 until the eighth grade. On June 8, 1968, he was united in marriage to Joyce Miller (Reimers) at Grace Lutheran Church, Carrington. From this union, he gained an instant family with Bradley and Lori and in years to follow adopted them to make them his own.

Merlin was the President of the Nordmore Township for over 20 years. He also served on the Kvernes Church Board and Cemetery Board and was the caretaker/sexton for the cemetery. He was an active member of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association and Dakota Central Communications Bowling League. He was involved in 4-H and had a winning steer make it all the way to Denver, Colo. He was involved in the Central North Dakota Steam Threshers from 2000-12. He was employed many years by the Eddy County Soil Conservation and worked for his cousins doing field work.

Merlin is survived by his children; Bradley (Andrea) Miller, Bismarck, and Lori (Tim) Partlow, Carrington; five grandsons; two great-grandchildren; brothers, James Miller, Bismarck; Wes Miller, Carrington; sisters, Shirley Kirley, McHenry, Ill.; Gladys (John) Kautzman, Fargo, N.D., Diane Marsh, St. Croix Falls, Wis., and Joyce Miller, Scottsdale, Ariz.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sisters, Alice Campbell and Betty Shannon; brother, Wayne Miller; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Miller and Patti Miller; brother-in-law, Charles Marsh; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements made by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.