Leonard Miller
Leonard, L.J. “Pat” Miller, 92, of Staples went to be with the Lord on December 25, 2021, at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples.
A private family memorial service will be held. A recording of the service will be available after January 20, 2022 on www.brenny.com.
Pat was born June 17, 1929 to N.A. “Sam” Miller and Pearl Miller in Crookston. The family moved to Staples in the summer of 1939 and he took part in the 50th Anniversary celebration of Staples. Pat started school that fall and graduated in 1947. During the WWII years, he worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR) as a crew caller and on the section crew in the Staples yard. After graduating he got a job on the railroad as a fireman and five years later, was promoted to engineer. He married Donna Greeno on July 17, 1948 at the Staples Methodist Church. They had three children, Kenneth, Douglas and Jon. In 1964 Pat opened “Pat Miller Photographics” specializing in general photographic work and photographic restoration. In 1972 Pat was offered a teaching position with the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute (SAVTI) in the Photographic Department. Pat took advantage of the college courses that were offered evenings and during the summer. In 1978 Pat received his BS degree, Summa Cum Laude. In 1980 he received a Master of Science degree from Bemidji State University. The program was recognized throughout the industry as a source of well-trained individuals that were hired in manufacturing plants, photo labs and studios in the state. Pat retired in 1994 as Chairman of the Media Department.
Pat and Donna loved to travel to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and around the United States. He was an avid golfer participating in many tournaments. Pat loved his Harley motorcycle making many trips to the Black Hills. He touched people’s lives through is photography which included weddings, graduations, family photos and outdoor scenes. Pat was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Staples serving on many committees and teaching Sunday School.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, of 73 wonderful years; two sons, Kenneth (Kathleen) Miller and Jon Miller; two grandchildren, Michael (Marissa) Miller and Lindsey Miller and six great-grandchildren, Taylonee, Kendrick, Jaylen, Theo, Gus and Luna.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Douglas Miller; one brother, Glenn Miller and one sister, Beverly Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Lakes College (CLC), Staples and the Staples Community Center in Pat’s memory.
Arrangements are by the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.
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