DENNIS JOSEPH MILLER

Dennis Joseph Miller, 85, of Caledonia died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at Caledonia Care and Rehab in Caledonia. He was born on November 13, 1927 in Melrose, MN to Leo and Isabella (Salchert) Miller. His family moved to Caledonia, MN in 1943 when his father accepted a position as Houston County Welfare Director. Dennis attended schools in Melrose, MN, Loretto High School, Caledonia, MN, and St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN. He married Alice Marie Esch on August 13, 1955 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Caledonia. Dennis was a Veteran of WWII, serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, 11th Airborne Division in Japan. After his discharge from the service, he was employed through the years by the National Advertising Co., the Marnarch Beverage Company and Trane Company. He purchased a café from Herbie and Winnie Dunn and later sold it to Carl and Dorothy Schroeder. He went on to further his education in accounting at the International Accountants School, Chicago, IL and then worked in the offices of Wynn Stave Company and Link Bros. Construction. In 1965, he opened a privately owned business as an accountant, tax preparer, and insurance agent. He worked up to the time of his stroke in March, 2009. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church; Loveless-Eiken American Legion Post #191 and the 11th Airborne Division Association. Dennis enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He liked hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also liked to cook, play a good card game and go to the Marquette Iowa Casino. Dennis is survived by his wife, Alice; six children, Denise (Tony) Stachnik, Rochester, MN; Daniel Jay Miller, Caledonia; Darla (Tim) Schuck, Cheltenham, PA; Dean (Karen) Miller, Osseo, MN; Diane (Daryl) Vonderohe, Caledonia, MN; and Dawn (Erik) Junkunc, Libertyville, IL.;grandchildren: Jessica (Eric) Servais, Emily (Paul) Zygmunt, John Stachnik; Danielle Schuck; Andrew, Ashley, and Kyle Junkunc; Derek and Devin Vonderohe. Two sisters: Joanne (Walter) Powers, Kettering, OH and Mildred Boling, Grand Junction, CO. One brother, Donald (Rita) Miller, Belton, MO. A sister-in-law, Margie (Odell) Bratland West Palm Beach, FL; two brothers-in-law: Myles(Marlene) Esch, Caledonia, MN and Mark (Janice) Esch, Shakopee, MN as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Bob Chappie; and his brothers, David and Thomas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Tues., Dec. 4th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Gregory Leif will officiate and burial with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. .Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, …………….Mon. at McCormick Funeral Home, 205 E. Main, Caledonia, where a prayer service will be at 7 pm. Visitation will also be from 9:30-10:30 am Tues. morning before the service at the church.

DENNIS JOSEPH MILLER

November 13, 1927 - November 29, 2012