Arnold Stanley Miller

Arnold Miller, age 82, died at his lake home near Pelican Rapids, MN on Sunday, April 22, 2012.Arnold Stanley Miller was born October 3, 1929 in Ulen, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Lila (Jacobson) Miller, on his grandparents' farm. He was baptized on December 15, 1929. He attended school at Ulen-Hitterdal Schools through the 8th grade. As an adult, he was confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota.Arnie enlisted in the United States Army on October 5, 1946, and became a Sergeant during Post-World War II. He served for six years in Germany as part of the 24th Constabulary Squadron. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1952.Upon returning to Moorhead, Minnesota, Arnie began working with Jensen Heating. In the mid-1950s he went into business for himself, establishing Miller's Sheet Metal & Plumbing in Moorhead. He expanded with the purchase of Northern Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Fargo shortly thereafter. He operated both companies until 1981. In l982, Arnie began working with Laney's where he later ended his 50+ year career in the mechanical business as the manager of Laney's Detroit Lakes branch in l999.In l968, Arnie and Martha were united in marriage at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota. The following year, they built a home on their Lake Lizzie property outside Pelican Rapids where they raised their family.Arnie was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids serving on the church council and as church president. In addition, he was a member of the Rotary Club in Moorhead, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Arnie was a founder of the Moorhead State Bank, established in l963, and one of the original members of Concordia College's C-400 Club.Dad enjoyed many outdoor interests such as the lake, fishing, gardening, hunting and his hobby farm. He loved being at his lake home with his family. With the hobby farm and lake, he used the pleasures to teach responsibility and work ethic to his children. He believed that work came first with the later rewards of play and fun. Dad was a master gardener. His half-acre garden supplied fresh food for the family and lots of work hours and entertainment for the kids. It was also a ground-rule double in baseball if anyone hit the ball into his garden. The flowers around the house were his masterpieces with the tuberous begonias being show quality. No one, human or animal, was allowed in his flower gardens.Dad was an avid fisherman. He outfished everyone in ice fishing just using a wood stick with a nail stuck in the end. One fishhouse wasn't enough for Dad; he had to have two. One for company and one for peace and quiet. Dad believed in using the lake for many purposes: fishing, boating and bathing. And he loved seeing his children and grandchildren come to the lake at all times of the year. Dad taught all of his children how to waterski, using all of his fine teaching techniques. This included racing other boats with one kid behind on skis.Through it all, Dad showed his love for his family in every way and every day. Thank you, Dear Lord, for blessing us all with this man.Arnold is survived by his wife, Martha; children: Kevin Overson, Richfield, MN, Ronald (Cynthia) Overson, Waconia, MN, Linda (Jon) Grefsrud, Pelican Rapids, MN, Diana (David) Arfine, Ridgefield, CT, Jon (Sabra Gibbens) Miller, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Eric Miller, Detroit Lakes, MN, Dietmar (Katrin) Bethge (through Rotary International Student Exchange), Germany; grandchildren: Anna (Cody) Salo, Andrew Overson, Jaclyn Grefsrud, Cat Grefsrud, Mariah Miller, Hanna Arfine, Drew Arfine, Magnolia Miller, Gus Miller, Poppy Miller; step-grandchildren: Jared (Erin) Grefsrud and Jessica (Jeff) Brown; great-grandchild; Laylo Salo; siblings: LaVonne "Bonnie" (Roy) Engelking, Moorhead, MN, Lowell (Jeanette) Miller, Ashland, WI, Rev. Lyle "Buddy" (Sonja) Miller, Gig Harbor, WA, Jodi (Roger) Wheeler, Detroit Lakes, MN, Donna (Leon) Kohler, Audubon, MN, Frank Miller, Detroit Lakes, MN, Bill Miller, White Earth, MN; aunt: Gladys (Vernon) Kirkeby; uncle: Morris Jacobson; Mariah's mother, Del Hilderbrandt; special family friend, Denise Luke; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family.Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Lila, Joseph, Norman Burres (stepfather); and daughter: Rosemarie Miller Haglund and son-in-law: Wayne Haglund.Visitation: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, MNClergy: Rev. Laurie Skow-Anderson Rev. Lyle MillerBurial: Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MN Funeral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572