MY TRIBUTE TO FRANK MILLER
November 14, 1983
Today the living history of a family ended. Frank died today at the age of 9l. Wow! A full life, a life full of family . Herman and Oliva's - that's where home was for him and their children were his kids. He was like another Grandpa and I, the oldest grandchild have many memories and memories told to me. Frank was my first babysitter-bachelor Frank having the opportunity to help 23 grandchildren know the delights of the world-his world (the sweet smelling tobacco coming from his pipe; the cigar that lasted forever and was put back into his pocket for another smoke; his teeth that came out!; and candy orange slices he always had for us.)
Many may not know it, but underneath the covering of the rocker I upholstered is the chair that Frank rocked many a day and night on our farm. His blue Olds went many a mile from Grandpa's farm to Dad's farm to oversee and help with the crops and chores. And his travels down south and to the Black Hills to pump gas at Blue Bell Lodge. Frank told me that his first trip to the Hills was in a Model A and there were only dirt paths to follow! Frank is mixed in with my first memories of the donkeys of the Black Hills.
Frank was one of the most faithful visitors to see my Grandpa McAdaragh. He had such warm words to share with Grandma Mc. I know Frank appreciated the sandwiches and cupcakes Grandma Mc and I made for his nieces and nephew as they stayed with him those last few hours.
How painful it was to see him just two short weeks ago. I cried and cried as I tried to get him to talk, to eat. To be free of his body seemed to be his only desire. My last fond memory will be the sparkle in his eyes as I told him who I was. He looked directly into my eyes, said "Kathy" and nodded his head as only Uncle Frank could.
-by Kathy Miller Holmes-

Obituary-Funeral services were held at St Agatha Catholic church in Howard on November 18, 1983 for Frank Miller, age 91, with Father Henry Sikkes and Father Bob Vinslauski concelebrating the mass. Burial was in St Joseph cemetery at Howard. Casketbearers were six grandnephews, Doug Sadler, Dean Sadler, Dave Miller, Joe Miller, Jeff Wolf and Tony Wolf. Scripture and Rosary service was held in the Willoughby Funeral Home on November 17, 1983 at 8.00 p.m.
Frank A Miller was born January 28, 1892 at West Bend, IA to V.C. and Anna Miller. In 1910 he moved, with his family, to a farm two miles south of Howard. Frank was a veteran of World War I. He died on Monday, November 14, 1983 at the Howard Good Samaritan Center, where he resided the past six years. Frank is survived by five sister-in-laws; Mrs Otto (Sophie) Miller, Mrs Martin (Agnes) Miller, Mrs George (Ethel) Miller, Mrs Herman (Oliva) Miller and Mrs Henry (Yvonne) Miller, also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and two sisters.
A living history of a family ended as Frank was the last member of the V.C. Miller family.