Lennis Lee Miller

Lennis Miller, age 87, of Marshall, Minnesota, died peacefully with his family beside him on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 9 days at the Select Specialty Hospital in the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception at the church, interment will be in the Sillerud Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Balaton, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2024, at the church.

Live stream link is also found on the church's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FirstLutheranChurchMarshall

Lennis Lee Miller was born on August 14, 1936, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Rueben and Edith (Pearson) Miller. He grew up on a farm near Balaton, Minnesota, and was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth at the Sillerud Lutheran Church in Skandia Township, where his great-grandfather was a founding member. Lennis graduated from Balaton High School with the class of 1955, he then attended the Mankato Business College for an accounting degree.

On September 14, 1957, Lennis was united in marriage to Sharron Moen at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Marshall and a job promotion brought them to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where they lived for 18 years. Lenny worked as a salesman for Kelco in Marshall. Lennis was recognized as the top salesman for most of his Kelco career. He loved his sales career, the customers throughout South Dakota, and driving to many communities where he made friends. In 1978, Lennis and Sharron returned to Marshall and built the Super 8 Motel (the 5th one in the chain). Their return brought them closer to family in retirement; however, Lennis got restless and took a part-time job working 4 years for the Campbell's Soup Company. Lenny also drove motorcoach for Iyanka Tours from Jackpot Casino, always in his white shirt and black vest and known to all as "Mr. Bus Driver."

Lenny and Sharron enjoyed their many years together including late night coffee with friends, dancing, playing Bingo, traveling South for winter, family vacations, and hunting pheasants, grouse, and deer. Lennis always had a big heart for his grandchildren, especially during their birthdays. He was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Aberdeen an active member of the Elks Lodge. Lennis was a family man, compassionate and tender-hearted as his family grew. He lived for family parties, meals shared, and time spent cooking and baking together.

Lennis Miller died peacefully on March 5, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sharron never left his side and played their song, "May I Have This Dance For The Rest of My Life" (by Anne Murry) every day he was in the hospital. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years (and dated for 2 years making 68 years of love and family together), Sharron Miller of Marshall; 3 children, Debbie (Todd) Blomme of Marshall, Gwen (Tim) Paradis of Green Valley, Daniel Miller (Jenn Moen) of Marshall; son-in-law, Harry Atkins of Marshall; 11 grandchildren, Wes (Tina) Blomme, Leiah (Tim) Palmer, Trenten Blomme, TJ (Kelsey) Paradis, Travis (Amanda) Paradis, Tabatha Paradis, Tate Moen, Lennis (Kristi) Kennedy, Ashley Atkins (Andrew Dueschle), James Atkins (Morgan Hanson), Damion Crooks; 16 great-grandchildren (plus one coming in November); 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Luell (Sandra) Miller of Marshall; sister-in-law, Joy Miller; brother-in-law, Bryon (and Gail) Moen of Chisago; sisters-in-law, Dores (Bob) Ast of Willmar, Diana (Jerry) Smith of Montgomery, Lois Moen of New Ulm; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lennis was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Edith Miller; daughter, Julie Kennedy-Atkins; brother, Larry Miller; brother-in-law, Rodney Moen; and parents-in-law, Ceylon & Leona Moen.