Russell "Bud" Lester Miller

Russell "Bud" Miller, age 93, of Sartell, formerly of Willmar, died Thursday, February 6, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.

His memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be one hour prior to his service at the church.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar at a later date.  Military Honors will be provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post #167 of Willmar.  Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association or the Arthritis Foundation.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, www.hafh.org

Russell Lester “Bud” Miller was born September 21, 1926, in Litchfield, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Ruby (Bergquist) Miller.  He grew up in Atwater and enjoyed playing the trumpet and playing basketball while attending Atwater schools.  He served in the U.S Navy during World War II.  Russ attended Gustavus Aldophus College and completed his education at Dunwoody College of Technology.  On November 28, 1950, he married Dorraine Rensted at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Pennock.  They made their home in Willmar, where they raised three sons: Gary, Steve and Jeff.  Russ worked on the railroad for many years before retiring in the early 1990s.  After his wife’s death in 2016, Russ lived with his son Jeff in Sartell for the past three years.

Russ was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.  He volunteered at church, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and delivering Meals on Wheels.  He enjoyed wood working, wood crafts, carving, playing tennis and golf, and biking.  He also enjoyed his time at the cabin on George Lake, following the Twins and Vikings, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his three sons: Gary (and Sofia) Miller, Steve (and Kris) Miller, and Jeff Miller; five grandchildren: Gabriela, Alex, Madelynn, Lindsey, and Jacob; one great-grandchild: Lucia; a brother: Paul (and Joanne) Miller; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Dorraine; two brothers: Donald and John; and two sisters: Marilyn and Helen.

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