Phillip Madison Miller

Phillip Madison Miller January 29th 1935 - February 4th 2018      Phillip Madison Miller, age 83, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Austin MN, peacefully slipped into the loving arms of Jesus his Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 4, 2018 at his home while under the loving care of his wife, Janet and daughter Janelle.     Phil was born on January 29, 1935 in Grand Marais, MN to Truman and Ida (Butterfield) Miller. He began his schooling at the Maple Hill public school near Grand Marais.  At the age of 7, he moved with his family to southern MN where they settled near Winnebago, MN and he continued his schooling through the 10th    grade.   His family again ventured to Northern MN and settled in Aitkin where he finished his public schooling, graduating with the AHS class of 1955.  Right after high school, Phil entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge on February 6, 1959.  He then returned to Minnesota.   He married Virginia Gulbrandson  on October 10, 1964 at the First Methodist Church in Albert Lea.  They were blessed with three children, John, Meghan and Janelle.    He later attended the Albert Lea Area Vocational Technical College where he earned his boiler license.   Phil gained employment with the Malt -O-Meal Company  in Northfield, MN in a long career.  While at Malt -O-Meal he entered the Dunwoody Institute to study electronics.  He received his Chief Boiler’s operators and electronics licenses while working there.  After being divorced and single for many years, Phil was united in marriage to Janet Hamberg on November 7, 1998 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Myrtle, MN.  They made their home for 11 years  in Austin MN. before retiring to Park Rapids MN. in 2009.  Phil was a strong man of faith and loved to study and memorize the bible.  He was a faithful and active member of the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset MN, where he served  on the Board of Christian Education.  Phil enjoyed airplanes and flying.  He loved the solitude and peace he found while flying over the beauty of God’s handiwork.   Phil was a talented sketcher and  especially liked drawing airplanes.  He also loved the beauty of Northern MN’s forests and lakes where he especially enjoyed fishing.  Above all, Phil dedicated his life to his precious wife, Janet, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart    Phil will be forever remembered by his wife, Janet, of  Park Rapids; his children: John (Kathleen) Miller of Cottage Grove, MN, Meghan Miller of Lake Preston  SD  and Janelle Miller of DeSmet, SD:  His  two step sons: Keith (Merideth) Hamberg of Excelsior, MN and Kurt (Marcy) Hamberg of Fridley, MN: 13 dearly loved grandchildren and 3 precious great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rose Suserud of Good Thunder, MN and Ida Miller of Mpls, MN: as well many nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.      He was preceded in death by his brother, Burt and his parents Truman and Ida Miller.    Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, February 9, 2018 at the First English Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Chris Davis officiating.  Lila Kalish will serve as organist.  Active casket bearers will be Dale Maijala, Dacle Schmid, Jr., John Cummins, Gary Nasser, Rick Aho and Stu Steele.  Honorary casket bearers will be Phil’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Interment will be made in the Grace Lutheran Church Cemetery near McGregor, MN.  The church family at First English will host a lunch for all after the service.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Thursday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue beginning one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com