Obituary: Gardner L. Miller, 88

Gardner L. Miller, of Eagan, passed away Sept. 11, 2012 at the age of 88.

Gardner was born and raised in East Chain, a small Minnesota town not far from the Iowa border. He graduated from East Chain High School and then University of Minnesota.

After school, he worked for Northwest Airlines, where he met his wife, Karen. His career at Northwest put him on the vanguard of the digital revolution. Miller was one of three people in airline's original IT department, which was tasked with converting the company's payroll system from paper to a computer-based system. Later he worked for Control Data and Donovan Companies in St. Paul.

Miller never strayed far from his agrarian roots. He was active in 4-H throughout his long life, first as a child in Martin County and then as an adult as a member of the State 4-H Advisory Committee. After retirement, he purchased a farm near Lonsdale where he raised sheep and grew vegetables. He was also an avid carpenter, building furniture out of black walnut, and a member of the Richfield Men’s Garden Club.

He was active in his church as well, serving on various committees and as a greeter on Sunday mornings. A trip to Israel with his son Mark’s church group was a highlight of his many travels. 

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Inez, Florence, and Earl, Jr.

Miller is survived by his wife, Karen; sons: Mark (Tami), Paul (Julie), Loren (VaNita), and Chris (Shannon); grandchildren, Luke, Cory, Lee, Seth, Dale, Erin, Anna, Samantha, and Shane; also survived by other loving family and friends.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 at  in Burnsville. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, at White Funeral Home in Burnsville and one hour prior to the service at church.  

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