Howard Miller

Howard Miller, 95 of Thief River Falls, MN formerly of Aneta, ND died peacefully on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Valley Home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Howard Reuben Miller was born on April 9, 1921 on the family farm south of McVille, ND to Emil and Anna (Knudson) Miller. He attended school at Pilot Mound School through the 8th grade.

He began farming at a very early age taking over the farm after his father passed away in 1958. He and his sister Marlys stayed at home taking care of their mother and working with their beef cattle and grain farm.

Howard was a meticulous person, keeping the farm and his equipment in perfect condition with everything always looking sharp. He did not let his limited education stand in the way of developing skills at building things that made his life easier, even inventing an item that he showed at an Inventors Congress in Devils Lake.

In the late 1960’s he built a scooter he called “Putnik”, naming it after the first Russian satellite “Sputnik”. He could fix anything, sometimes modifying things to make them work even better. He also taught himself to play the mandolin, piano and organ, and used these musical skills to play in his church as well as other churches and later at Valley Home. He did not read music but if he heard a tune, he could play it. After selling his property in 1990, he moved to Minnesota and entered Valley Home in 1990, residing there until his death.

Howard was a charter member of the Binford Gospel Tabernacle where he served in various capacities. He was a very devout Christian, loving Jesus and serving Him all his life. He looked forward to going to heaven and meeting Jesus.

Howard is survived by two nephews, Vern (Evonne) Cleven of Thief River Falls, MN and William (Diane) Miller of Tucson, AZ. Also, several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, Mable (Melvin) Kleven, Alice (Ken) Goodell, Ruth (Carl) Cleven, Edwin (Olivia) Miller, Archie (Cleo) Miller, Ethel Miller, Marlys Miller. Also, two nephews, Merlyn Kleven and Donald Kleven.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Larry Myhrer officiating.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home in McVille, ND. Burial will be at the Gospel Tabernacle Cemetery near Binford, ND.