Ernest “Ernie” G. Miller, 67, Dickinson, died Monday, May 30, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. Ernie courageously fought a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ernie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 2, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan on Friday at 11 a.m. Central time. Military honors will follow the Mass and be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, there will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller and Deacon Morris Martin presiding.
Ernie was born February 5, 1944 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, the son of George and Margaret (Schwarzbauer) Miller. He attended St. Joseph’s grade school and graduated from Dickinson High School in 1962. Ernie enlisted in the United States Army on June 15, 1962 and was honorably discharged on June 14, 1965. During his term of duty he had received honors for Marksman with Rifle, Expert with carbine, and the Basic Missile man badge.
Following his discharge from the Army, Ernie enrolled at Dickinson State University. On March 18, 1967 Ernie married Roberta “Bobbi” Gilliland, and they were blessed with one daughter, Michelle. In 1971, Ernie graduated with a degree in business administration and political science.
Ernie worked various jobs: Sports Director for KDIX Radio & TV, where he conducted sports talk shows and sports casting; owner/manager of two sporting goods stores in Dickinson; and served as a board member of the American Legion Baseball program. He was also a member of the Dickinson Elks Lodge and the St. Anthony Club.
Ernie’s favorite job was being a landman in the oil/gas business for over 30 years. Because of his knowledge, experience and integrity he was sought after by many oil companies. He continued to work for nearly three years after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Ernie was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Reggie Jackson. In more recent years he loved to watch his grandson, Drew, participate in sports. Ernie enjoyed the military and had a great interest in World War II. During his illness we watched many WW II movies. Our fondest memory is Ernie’s smile. His nurses in the hospital always told him he was one of the nicest patients they had taken care of.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Bobbi; their daughter, Michelle (Russ) Riehl, Bismarck; one grandson, Drew Lingle; two step-grandchildren, Riley Riehl and Hannah Riehl; his mother, Margaret Miller, Dickinson; a sister, Martha Decker, Dickinson; a brother, Tom (Pat) Miller, Forest Lake, Minn.; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Deb) Gilliland, Rapid City, S.D., and Jay (Carol) Gilliland, Missoula, Mont.; his nieces and nephews, Calvin Olheiser, Kurt (Coleen) Olheiser, Lynn (Bruce) Kempf, Darla (Keith) Kadrmas, Keith Olheiser, Terry (Molly) Miller, Tom (April) Miller, Andrea (Eric) Damato, Jay (Bob) Gilliland, Erica (Patrick) Gilliland-Ashman, Maggie Gilliland and Ally Gilliland. He was preceded in death by his father, George; in-laws, Dr. Robert and Dorothy Gilliland; brother-in-law, Albert Decker; nephew, Todd Miller, and great-niece, Sarah Kempf.
Memorials are preferred to pancreatic cancer research. A yearly camper scholarship will be awarded to an aspiring young golfer for the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s camp at Bully Pulpit in Ernie’s name.
