Wilbert Miller

Wilbert Leander Miller, 84, died on April 30, 2014, at his home, Mahnomen, MN. Wilbert was born on April 12, 1930 to Stephen and Mary (Stalberger) Miller in Mahnomen County, MN. He attended country school near his home and following his schooling began working on a potato and turkey farm near Zerkel, MN.

Wilbert was united in marriage to Iva Thielen on September 23, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. They lived on the farm where Wilbert was raised. Over the years, Wilbert worked for Anderson Saw Mill, as a road grader for area Townships, a backhoe operator for Rick Miller. In the late 1970's, Wilbert and Iva began vegetable farming on the home farm and, in the early 1980's, he began work as the area grave digger. Wilbert, and several assistants, dug graves by hand for hundreds of families in the Mahnomen and Waubun, MN areas.

Wilbert was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beaulieu, where he also did the maintenance for the church grounds and cemetery. He built lawn ornaments, bird houses and other wood projects in his shop. Hunting, deer and bear, and fishing on area lakes were great outdoor adventures for him. He was a generous gardener, giving away much more produce than he kept. Wine making from the fruits and vegetables kept Wilbert busy year-round. Wilbert could be a little rough around the collar, giving others a hard time in that teasing manner of his, but he had a sincere and tender heart, showing kindness, consideration and gentle spirit. He was tremendously proud of his family, especially his children.

Wilbert is survived by his 10 children, 25 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren

Marilyn (Leslie) Brustad, Chaska, MN;

Michael (Cindy) Miller, Oak Grove, MN

• Brent (Leslie): Mike, Jack, Kendra
• Brandee (Mark): Makayla, Faith
• Bridget(Matthew): Landyn
• Ben: Jazmine, Mikalynn

Douglas (Jodi Cribb) Miller, Breckenridge, MN

• Anita (Jesse): Shelby, Mason
• Brandon
• Joshua

Debra (Mike) Neisen, Mahnomen, MN

• Jessica
• Derek (Stephanie): Mila
• Christopher (Kelsey)

Steve (Sherry) Miller, St. Hilaire, MN

• Aaron (Terri): Oliver
• Margaret
• Megan

James (Shawn) Miller, Galesburg, ND

• Anthony
• Alexander (Danielle): Elinah

Thomas (Gayle) Miller, Breckenridge, MN

• Emily
• Katie

Joseph (Wanda) Miller, West Fargo, ND

• Jesse (Melanie)
• Tarra
• Tabitha

Sandra (John) Matlock, Inver Grove Heights, MN

• Trent
• Amber

Terry (JoAnn) Miller, Reiles Acres, ND

• Marcus
• Jake
• Hunter

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Iva, infant children: Christopher, David, and grandchildren, Dayna, Kristen, and Ashley Matlock, and Kelsey Miller and one brother Ervin Miller.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday May 5, 2014, atSt. Joseph's Catholic Church,

Beaulieu, MN

Visitation will be from 4 PM-6 PM on Sunday, May 4, 2014, with a Prayer Service at 5:30 PM at the Church.

Burial will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN