DuWayne "DW" Miller

DuWayne Earl Miller of Devils Lake, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in his home the evening of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, after an extended battle with amyloidosis. There will be a time of sharing at Gilbertson Funeral Home on Monday, February 5th, 5-7 P.M. Funeral services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 6 at 10:30 A.M.

DuWayne was born on March 20, 1942, in Merced, California, to Raymond and Jeanette (Sperling) Miller. The family returned to their roots in Carrington, North Dakota when DuWayne “Cub” was small. He graduated high school there, worked on the family farm, and served in the Army National Guard.

DuWayne met Donna Kroeplin while in Carrington. They married in June 1963 and had four children: Sheryl, Suzette, Rachel and Bryan. Over the years, the family lived in several places throughout North Dakota. The couple later divorced.

DuWayne farmed and then worked as a manufacturing manager before trying his hand at sales and leasing. His sales career eventually moved the family to Devils Lake in 1984. In 1990, DuWayne found his stride as one of the first employees of what is now Western Equipment Finance. DuWayne worked at Western until his retirement in 2015. DuWayne loved his role at Western, attending farm shows and auctions, engaging in the community, and making many lasting friendships through his work.

In August 1997, DuWayne married Maryln Jabs-Wood. As an avid outdoorsperson, DuWayne was delighted to begin this new chapter of his life while attending the Prairie Dog Jamboree at Pierre, South Dakota. DuWayne and Maryln enjoyed many adventures including hunting, fishing, and traveling. They created many memories and had many stories to share with friends and family!

DuWayne was an active church member throughout his life. When DuWayne’s children were in their learning years and he attended Lutheran churches of the Missouri Synod, DuWayne served as an elder and the family was instrumental in the church’s youth association. DuWayne supported many youth events including an outing at the Jamestown reservoir where DuWayne was proud to have eight youth members water-skiing behind the boat at the same time.  

DuWayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting. He was a committed member in several wildlife preservation organizations and founded the first chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in North Dakota. He served as the state president and local Devils Lake chapter president. He was later admitted to the NWTF National Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years of dedication and service. DuWayne was the state contact for the Varmint Hunters Association. Over the years, DuWayne was also a proud mentor to many children in their pursuit of hunting and fishing, and was always happy to host and introduce new people to the sports.

DuWayne is preceded in death by his parents, brother Don and sister-in-law Nora Miller, and brother-in-law Ken Schultz.

He is survived by his wife Maryln. His children: Sheryl (Mark) Sad, San Angelo, TX; Suzette (Mark) Kuklok, Owatonna, MN; Rachel Chesley, Devils Lake, ND; Bryan Miller (Sheila McGee), Jamestown, ND. His grandchildren: Jocelyn Miller, Devils Lake, ND and Anthony (Amanda Vasquez) Sad, Boulder, CO, Eleasha, Mercedes, and Sofia McGee. Maryln’s children: Russ (Kari) Wood, Walker, MN; Jeremy (Geri) Wood, Dickinson, ND; Kathy (Alan) Smith, Bismarck, ND. Maryln’s grandchildren: Rayna, Trista, Evelyn, and Wesley Wood; Jack, Claire, and Gus Wood; Easton and Annika Smith. DuWayne’s siblings: Jerry (Diana) Miller, Annette Schultz, and Elaine Hart. As well as many nieces and nephews.

DuWayne lived a long and enjoyable life and was loved by many. He could often be found making pancakes or serving up a fish fry for his coworkers, family, community members and friends. He lived his life on his terms and was known for his wit, humor, and sense of adventure. He had a life well lived and will be deeply missed.