Gary Miller

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Gary E. Miller, age 71, of Cannon Falls, died of natural causes on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 at the family farm.

Gary Erwin Miller was born on April 11,1949 in Williston, North Dakota to Berta (Collings) and Leslie “Les” Miller. Gary spent his early years in Williston learning to love the outdoors and helping his dad on the family farm (often picking rocks!) When he was 11, the family moved to St. Paul for Les’ work, and shortly thereafter to Cannon Falls. Gary attended Cannon Falls High School and participated in many sports including football, basketball, track, cross country, and baseball. He enjoyed the class trips (especially the one to Washington DC), and played in a rock band with friends. He graduated in 1967, moving on to Rochester State Junior College (RSJC), where he set a record for shot put in track & field.

After his time at RSJC, Gary was drawn west to California to the Control Data Institute. During his time there, he also worked as a cabinet maker and carpenter. Some of his finishing work even ended up in shops on Rodeo Drive. His nieces and nephews can attest to his love of California, as these were the stories he shared most throughout his life. He often showed two tokens of these familiar stories: his 1972 VW Bug and the necklace he wore, made from one of the gold nuggets he panned. After an accident brought him back home to Minnesota, he helped out at the farm, continued his work as a cabinet maker/carpenter, and occasionally helped people with their computers.

Gary was known for his thoughtfulness and remembering people’s interests. Back when it was harder to record TV shows, it was not uncommon to receive a homemade tape with your favorite episodes on it from him. His passion for computers evolved with the years and he was always in the know about the latest technology. He cared deeply about the cows on the farm, coming up with names for them. His cows loved him as much as he loved them, surrounding him in his final moments. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Gayle (Gary) Heppelmann, Patti Regan, and Mike Miller; sister-in-law, Judy Miller; in addition to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Les & Berta Miller; brother, Alan; sister, Diane Wood; and nephews, David and Brandon Wood.

A visitation will be held at the Lundberg Funeral Home (5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN  55009) on Friday, October 23 from 4-7pm.

Please Note Change in Date: There will be an outdoor family memorial service at the farm on Saturday, October 31 at 1pm. Masks and social distancing are required at both.

If you would like to send a card for the family, please mail to: The Family of Gary Miller, c/o Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls MN 55009. Online condolences are also welcome at www.LundbergFuneral.com.