Goodridge – Dorothy Miller, 82, of Goodridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Valley Assisted Living in Thief River Falls, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Dorothy Mae Coan was born to Inga and Bert Coan on June 28, 1939 in Thief River Falls. She grew up on a farm near Highlanding with her older brother, Kenny. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith.
Dorothy attended Old Glory grade school and later transferred to Goodridge Public School, graduating in 1956. She was very close to all of her classmates and served on several class reunion committees.
Dorothy often visited her Aunt Clara and Uncle John Coan. There she met a tall, handsome man named Edgar who was a friend and neighbor of the Coans. Edgar Miller was intrigued by Dorothy, and they soon began to date.
After graduating from high school, Dorothy was a nanny at the Earl and Helen Halvorson home. She saved her money to pay for her wedding, and the dream came true in Thief River Falls on June 28, 1957. Edgar and Dorothy were married on Dorothy’s 18th birthday.
As soon as they were married, they happily lived on a farm east of Goodridge, and four children were born.
First and most, Dorothy loved being a wife and mother, but she also enjoyed working on the farm driving machinery, taking care of the animals, doing the bookkeeping, and caring for the large yard. She and Edgar enjoyed visiting relatives and neighbors, traveling, playing cards, puzzles, Sunday afternoon drives, and dancing. Dorothy was a jokester and always enjoyed a good story and laughter.
After the children left home, Dorothy worked at the Best Western in Thief River Falls and then at Valley Home in Thief River Falls, where she found her dream job of caring for elderly persons. Many people still mention how loving and kind Dorothy was to the residents and coworkers.
Dorothy enjoyed writing the Reiner News, serving her Lord and Savior through Reiner Lutheran Free Church, sewing, crocheting, lawn work, but mainly she loved taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always kept a watchful eye and kids were always welcome.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Edgar James Miller; her daughters, Marilou Cwikla, Shirley (Bruce) Wegley; sons, Jack (Jayne) Miller, and Gary Miller; grandchildren, Garrett (Amanda), Laura (Jeff), Samantha (Brandon), Diana (Alfonso), McKenzy (Michael), Jaclyn (Jason), Kari (Robert), Luke (Tori), Chloe (Chase), and Holden; 14 great grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
When Dorothy was growing up, she always wanted a sister, but instead found loving relationships with sister- in-law Margie Coan and Edgar’s five sisters, Dodie, Marilyn, Sharon, Judy (Richard), and Joyce, and his four brothers and their wives, Richard (Judy), Norman (Sharon), Morrie (Mary) and Gene (Kari).
Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents, Bert and Inga Coan; brother, Kenneth Coan; her in-laws, Signe and Morris Miller; two sons-in-law, Donavon Verbout and Bob Cwikla; sister-in-law, Sharon Miller Iverson; brothers-in-law, Arnold Keim, Dick Lacoursiere, Norman Miller, and Larry Geer; and beloved nieces and nephews, Jessica, Michael, and Jason.
Dorothy moved to Valley Assisted Living in Thief River Falls in September of 2021 where she had the best of care.
The service to celebrate Dorothy’s life was held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Pastor Alex Amiot officiating.
Burial took place at Reiner Lutheran Free Cemetery of Goodridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Blessed be her memory.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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