Richard "Dick" Miller

Richard "Dick" Miller, 72, died peacefully, February 1, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 11:00 AM CDT at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Carson. Internment will follow at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held Monday, February 4, 2008, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary will be held at 7:00 PM CDT. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church. The son of Emil and Frances Tischmak Miller, Dick was born on December 6, 1935, in Flasher, ND. Dick grew up in the Carson area and graduated from Carson High School in 1954. After high school he proudly joined the service and was stationed in Germany until 1956. Shortly after returning home, he married Melva Hauge and had two sons, Kevin and Todd and one daughter, Andra. The son of Russian/German immigrant parents, Dick learned to speak English in the first grade. Because of his strong work ethic, drive, commitment and determination he developed many successful business ventures over his lifetime. Dick owned and operated Miller Implement for twenty-four years and due to a declining farm market in the early 1980's elected to close his dealership. Shortly after that, he opened and developed Miller Distributing, a salt distribution company, which continues to thrive today and is managed by his son, Todd. In addition, Dick ranched for many years, raising both cattle and horses. He loved driving out to the pastures to check on his herd or take long drives in the country, enjoying the quiet beauty of the land he was part of. Even after he retired, ranching was always closest to Dick's heart. M3 Ranch is still in operation today and is owned and managed by his son, Todd and wife, Carmel. He had many talents and was larger than life to those that loved him. Dick was a man who was not afraid of taking a risk. He had a certain philosophy and that was to work hard and play hard. He loved life and he played to win. He didn't easily give up or give in when he thought he could make a difference. He believed what he believed and was a very determined man. Dick was a great inspiration, leader and mentor for those that loved him. His children cherished him and he was a proud father. He loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. One of his passions was his race horses and traveled many miles to watch them run. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and had many great times sharing these moments with his sons and friends. He especially liked to big game hunt and spent time in the mountains of western Montana and Colorado. He liked to play cards and played a mean hand of pinochle. As well as playing on the team, Dick managed and played on the Carson softball team for years until he finally retired at the age of 55. During this time, he had the opportunity to play softball beside his two sons and together they brought home countless trophies. He had a great love of athletics and was involved on all levels from coaching and managing to officiating high school basketball and football games. Most memorably he was any team's biggest fan. An accomplishment of which Dick was always proud, was the field lighting he was instrumental in acquiring that lit up his beloved home team. Dick laughed easily and often. He always welcomed a varied host of friends and family. He loved to entertain along the shores of his river and will always and forever be the man people loved to be around. He will be remembered as a fun loving, gracious and strong father, friend, brother and son. He had a great laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. Dick was a great inspiration for his children and taught them how to embrace life and live it to the fullest. Dick lent his voice and energy to many community projects. He worked tirelessly to make Carson a standout community. He was one of the leading businessmen to bring in a local veterinarian doctor and he donated a squeeze chute to help offset startup expenses. He was an advocate of community involvement, and served on many boards and civic organizations in and around Carson. His combined service on the City Council, including Mayor of Carson 8 years, totaled more than 20 years; during this time, the water tower was built and the streets were resurfaced. He also testified at many Southwest Water meetings and was proud of his role in providing quality water to Grand County through the Southwest Pipeline Project. Dick was President of the Carson School Board, President of the Lions Club, Elks Bismarck-Mandan Club member, and President of the Business Club. During his time with the Business Club, he helped to build and support and promote the annual Grant County Fair and Carson NDRA Rodeo which later became the NPRA. He helped rebuild and modernize the rodeo arena from a wooden structure to steel panels. Dick also served on the Board of Regents University of Mary and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post No. 45. On January 28, 2001, Dick had a life style change when he suffered a severe stroke at his home in Bismarck. In spite of his stroke, he continued to have a good quality of life. His friend, Carol, provided him with great care. Dick was surrounded by a loving family and wonderful friends and neighbors. Dick laughed easily and often. He always welcomed a varied host of friends and family. He loved to entertain along the shores of his river and will always and forever be the man people loved to be around. He is survived by long time companion, Carol Hoovestol; two sons, Kevin, Fargo, and Todd Carmel, Carson; one daughter, Andra, Mandan; Carol's children, Kay Jim Pexa, Minneapolis, MN, Kim Hoovestool, Mandan, and Scott Hoovestol, Bismarck; six grandchildren, Josh, Gabrielle, Jayden, Luke Stacey, Taylor, and Sydney; his mother, Frances Mandan; eight brothers and sisters, Jim Donna, Mandan, Norman Mayvonne, Carson, Marge Lyle Hartman, Mandan, Marie Ron Bieber, Pierre, SD, Ted Sharon, Mandan, Elaine, Mandan, and Ron, Fort Peck, MT; and many nieces and nephews and close friends. Preceding him in death, were his father, Emil and his brother, Roger.

Richard "Dick" Miller

December 6, 1935 - February 1, 2008