01/08/2026
Milo Miller
Milo Miller, age 81, of Mandan, passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Parish Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Milo was born October 25, 1944, in Flasher, the fourth of eight children to Mike and Theresa (Nagel) Miller. Raised in the Catholic faith, Milo attended St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Raleigh where he was baptized, received his first Holy Communion, and confirmed--choosing the confirmation name Hugo, which stayed with him throughout his life.
Milo spent his early years on the family farm near Raleigh, working alongside his parents and siblings raising livestock and crops. Those years shaped his strong work ethic and deep appreciation for the land. He also developed a lifelong love of hunting, especially deer and pheasants. Milo attended elementary school at Leahy Elementary at St. Gertrude’s, then New England Catholic School, where he lived in the dormitory. He returned to St. Gertrudes to complete school once the high school was established, graduating in 1962. Following his graduation, Milo began his long and storied career as a Jack of All Trades. He was a truck driver, car washer, beekeeper, construction worker, school janitor, car salesman, bus driver, and owner of V & M Dairy, just to name a few.
One night while cruising Main, Milo met a feisty redhead in a Studebaker. Using his natural charm with the ladies, Milo promptly insulted her car and suggested she ride with him instead. This pivotal meeting resulted in a lifetime of love and laughter. Milo married Virginia Krug on November 18, 1967. They began their married adventure by moving to Libby, Montana where Milo worked on the construction of the Libby Dam. This sparked his love for the mountains, wildlife, national parks, travel, and camping. Their children have fond memories of numerous trips and family car games and shenanigans such as “Dad, there’s a bear!”
Milo was always ready with a good story. The kids and grandkids never needed to ask him to read them a book because Milo was always quick to spin a tale, sometimes sprinkled with truths, sometimes a fantasy, and often a mix of the two. He loved to set a child on his knee and say “Do you remember when….” And they knew they were in for a treat.
Returning to North Dakota in 1982, Milo and Virginia’s family was complete with the birth of their sixth child. They made their home in Mandan where they finished raising their family. Some of the kids moved away for a little while, but each slowly returned close to home where they shared countless family dinners, evenings filled with yard games, and hours of conversations, laughter, and exaggerated story telling.
Family was Milo’s greatest pride and joy. Babies, in particular, always brought a smile to Milo’s face and made his eyes light up. From the moment he became a father to his own six children, and later a grandfather and great-grandfather, his heart only grew larger. He adored his ten grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. In 2025, two more babies joined his fold. Milo found special comfort and joy snuggling with Rylee Jo, born in September, holding her close and soaking in every moment.
As Milo’s health and hearing began to decline, he was gifted a new tiny friend. He insisted that he did not want a dog, but less than 24 hours after meeting Molly, a tiny chihuahua, the two were inseparable. One of his biggest concerns was being separated from Molly. She brought so much love to his last years.
Blessed to have shared in his life is his beloved wife of 58 years, Virginia, who tenderly cared for him through his illness and cradled him as he left this world. Their children, Pam (Mike) Sondag, Curt Miller (Liz Kessel), Allan (Sarah) Miller, Sarah (Myles) Van Cleave, and Chris (Shelby) Miller; his ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren who were each a special light in his life, Michaela (Grant) Erwin and their children, Callen and Elliott; Caitlin Sondag and her daughter, Esme; Carson and Cambry Miller, Isaac and Ava Miller; Mylo and Vivian Van Cleave; and Brooks and Rylee Miller. Last, but not least, Milo’s faithful love and protector, Molly, his 8-year-old chihuahua, who is grieving as much as his humans are. Milo is also survived by six siblings, Ervin (Evelyn) Miller, Loretta (Paul) Mattern, Elmer (Sharon) Miller, Janice (Bob) Quickstad, Patricia (Ed) Barth, and Mike Miller; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Milo was preceded in death by an infant son, Milo Miller Jr.; his parents; sister, Diane Miller; and lifelong best friend, Johnny Miller.
Milo’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many people who assisted with caring for Milo. CHI Hospice-the caregivers, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers who visited, provided cares, brought flowers, and comforted Milo and his family. A special thank you to his primary nurse, Moonie. Milo was so excited to find out the gender of the baby she was expecting.
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