Dennis E. Miller, 83, of Cando, ND passed away on Friday, August 9, at the Towner County Living Center in Cando. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Cando Lutheran Church with Reverend Bonnie Weaver officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Music will be provided by Tom Freud and Dan Belzer. A time of fellowship and sharing will be held at the Cando Golf Course immediately following the service. A private family interment will be held at a later time at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Cando, ND.
Dennis E. Miller was born May 25, 1936 in Devils Lake, ND the son of Rollie and Agnes (Vesterso) Miller. He was carried to Heaven on Eagle's wings, August 9, 2019 due to Alzheimer's disease.
He attended grade school in Maza, ND, and completed his education in Cando, graduating with the class of 1954. That same year he married his high school sweetheart Marlene Pederson Miller, September 3. He was employed at Houtcooper Implement until the death of his father Rollie, then took over the family farm. There they lived and raised their family of five children until maturity. Dennis continued in agriculture until his retirement in 2006.
Dennis was a true man of the soil, who loved the land, and his faith in God was apparent, he knelt on the soil, the earth his alter, the sky the roof, his church.
"My farm to me is not just land
Where bare unpainted buildings stand.
To me, my farm is nothing less, then all created loveliness.
My farm is not where I must soil, my hands in endless dreary toil
But where, through seed and swelling pod, I've learned to walk, and talk with God.
My farm, to me is not a place, outmoded by the modern race.
For here, I think, I just see less of evil, greed, and selfishness.
My farm's a haven-here dwells rest, security and happiness.
Whate'er befalls the world outside, here faith and hope and love abide.
And so my farm is not just land, where bare unpainted buildings stand.
To me, my farm is nothing less, then all God's hoarded loveliness."
In his earlier years Dennis enjoyed bowling, playing poker with the guys, golfing, hunting with his family and buddies, attending many sporting events where he cheered on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His greatest joy was time with friends, and having his family near, the little ones perched on his knee, the older ones being taught the pride in a job well done, and work ethics. A good crop, a breakfast burrito, a child's wet kiss, tiny arms around his neck, and whispered words…" I wuv you Grampa".
Through Dennis and Marlene's sixty-four years of marriage, they traveled extensively, to wonder at the marvels of Europe, view the beauty of their own America, and visit with family and friends.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, and family, sons Evan Miller and significant other Annette Hillenbrand, her son Hunter of Devils Lake, ND, daughter Holly Mattern, SD, son Brandon Mattern, wife Becka and family of Bismarck, ND. Rollie Miller of Mt. Vernon, WA. Daughter Pamela and son-in-law Ron Skarphol of Osage, MN. Tarra Miller of Deerfield Beach, Florida. Grandchildren Dana and husband Justin Oakland of Cando their children Abi and Austin. Dustin Morgan and his children daughter Kaytlynn and her husband Markus Noeske and children Easton, Brigham and Truette, sons Dawson, Dylan and daughter Madalyn of Williston, ND and Dustins fiancé Nichole DeLauney and her children Davin, Neige, Keandra and Dru. Randal Nass, wife Grace and son Carson, Kyle Heller, wife Diane and children Harper, Emery and Greyson all of Minneapolis area. Calvin Nass, wife Shari and children Jocelyn, Jaidyn, Aubrey, Bennet and Callie of Williston, ND. Lauren Heller and daughters Lilly and Ireland Rose, of Fargo ND. Amanda and husband Troy Fyre and children Faith, Addison and Quinn of Argusville, ND. Jess Miller of Bremerton, WA. Brett Miller, Josh Miller and fiancé Sammy Jo LeTexier, and children Kaydence, Rilynn and Kowen of Williston, ND. Kadra Holland husband Jamal and daughter Hadleigh of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was also gifted with step granddaughters Ronica Skarphol Brownson husband Jeff, and daughters Rowen and Anya, of St. College, PA, Roxanne Skarphol Miller, husband Josh and son William, of Minneapolis, MN. Jill Smith and children Trinity and Nick. Shannon and husband Jovanne Flores and her children, Tatum and Kennedy of Mt. Vernon, WA. Brothers Darell Miller and wife Janice of Cando, Norris Miller of Wilton Manors, Florida, and sister Carolee Westlind of Burnsville, MN. Many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Trudy Miller Nass, grandson baby Nass, great grandson Connor Fyre, brother-in-law Manning Pederson, sisters-in-law Vonna Pederson Hines, and Margy Pederson Thomas.
Dennis served in the North Dakota National Guard, was a member of Cando Lutheran Church, past member of order of Elks, and the Cando Golf Club.
He left his mark on this earth through his love of family, and many friends, he will be deeply missed.