Leo Miller, 85, Richardton, was called to his Heavenly home on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Richardton Health Center after his short battle with brain cancer. Leo’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Robert Bohn presiding.
He was born on October 27, 1936, in Richardton, to John and Catherine (Haag) Miller. He was raised on a farm northeast of Richardton and attended St. Mary’s School. While growing up on the farm, Leo milked dairy cows by hand, slopped the hogs, and rode the corn planter and cultivator which were powered by horses. In the 1950s, electricity, telephone service, indoor plumbing, and running water were installed. All these amenities made milking and the separation process (milk and cream) much easier for Leo and his family.
Leo’s early employment began on the railroad along with Geck’s Grocery and Meat Market in Glen Ullin. He also helped on area farms and assisted with carpentry work at Schnell Hall at the Assumption Abbey in Richardton. On May 9, 1961, Leo was united in marriage to a neighbor girl named Colleen Maas. To this union their son, Todd, and daughter, Dawn, were born.
Running heavy equipment for Stark County Road Department in the summers and building I-94 bridge overheads paved the way for his long-term career with the Stark County Road Department. He eventually became Road Foreman at Stark County, where he built strong connections with people throughout Richardton and the surrounding area. Leo retired in 2007 after 46 years of service to the Stark County Road Department.
Leo’s love and support for his family were very evident. He and Colleen traveled to every sporting event to cheer on their children and grandchildren. Spending time with family was of great importance to Leo. He even received the nickname ‘Papa Chief’ from his grandkids. He was so very proud of each of them.
Throughout his lifetime, especially after retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and yard work. He especially loved visiting with people, having coffee at the C-Store, and stopping at the shop to see “his guys.” His love for life and his daily routine impacted so many people. His easy-going personality allowed him to connect with nearly everyone he met. It seems as if everyone in town knew Leo.
Leo was a lifetime of Knights of Columbus member, an Elks member for over 50 years, and a volunteer fireman in Richardton for 40 years. He was also a parishioner at St. Mary Church in Richardton, serving as an usher, greeter, and eucharistic minister.
Leo is survived by his wife, Colleen, of 61 years; son, Todd (Leah) Miller, Dickinson; daughter, Dawn (Rod) Schell, Minot; grandchildren; Megan (Paul) Schaaf, Dickinson, Zach Miller, Dickinson, Miranda Schell, Minot, and Andrew Schell, Minot; great-grandchildren, Peyton Pfau, Cambria Thielen, and Forrest Jacob Schaaf. He is also survived by his siblings, Terrence Miller, Dickinson, John (Diana) Miller, Dickinson, and Linda (Melvern) Schmidt, Bismarck; and sister-in-law, Dennise Miller, Taylor.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine; sister, Pauline Geck; brothers, James, and Robert Miller.
