Keith Marlin Miller

Keith M Miller, beloved father, grand father and great-grand father, 87, of Devils Lake, passed away, Sunday morning,  May 14, 2017 at his home in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. Keith Marlin, son of Frederick and Sarah (Andos) Miller was born on October 11th, 1929 in Lakota, ND. At the age of 12 he and his family moved from Lakota to Devils Lake, ND where he resided until his death. Keith graduated from Central High School in 1947. Keith started at Fairmont Foods at the age of 14 as a laborer and worked his way up to a sales route driver. At the age of 21, Keith joined the Army National Guard where he served over seas in the Korean War from January 1951 until September 1952 when he was honorably released from active duty as a Corporal. Upon his return he continued to work for Fairmont Foods. When Fairmont closed it’s doors, Keith began his new route sales position with Jerome Wholesale.  After retiring, he worked part-time at Don’s Rental until his health declined.  Keith was a hard-working and dedicated employee wherever he worked.  A “confirmed bachelor” until 1966, he then met the love of his life Lois Elise Boucher (Miller). From there began the love affair of Tarzan and Jane. In Lois he not only found his soul mate but a family. He became a father of 6 when they said their I Dos on December 29, 1967. They completed their family with the birth of two more.  Of all of his accomplishments, fatherhood was where he excelled most. Keith and Lois were united in marriage for the next 43 years until Lois’ passing on September 2, 2011. Keith enjoyed his summers at his cabin in Wood Lake where he would relax on his sailboat. He was also a great wood worker and self taught carpenter. He was most proud of his garden where he would grow the tomatoes that would serve as breakfast and lunch throughout the summer and fall. Keith also enjoyed membership in the VFW Club.  Keith was able to remain in his home even with declining health thanks to the love and care provided by his son, Craig and Craig’s fiancee, Natasha. Keith is survived by his children; Elisa (Richard) Mudgett, Devils Lake, Kathleen (Calvin) Haskew, Marysville, WA, Craig Miller (Natasha Schmidt), Devils Lake, Marcella Mudgett (Kelvin Carlson), Devils Lake, Michael “Joseph” Butts-Miller, Rapid City, SD, Sarah (John) Kuk, Devils Lake, Margaret Miller (Greg Hanson), Devils Lake; grandchildren; Vanessa Berg, Katrina Mudgett (Chris Donaldson), Hillary Mudgett (Adam Otis), Logan Mudgett, Wolfgang “Erik” Ratzlaff, Annie (Danny) Puskarcik, Caelin Haskew, Cass Miller (Brianna Mendoza), Courtney (Matt) Ransom, Scarlett Miller (Calvin Sandberg), Keith (Katy) Mudgett, Ronald Mudgett, Joshua (Ashley) Mercer, Kacy (Nick) Hettwer, Emily Mudgett, Michael Chad Butts, Michael Amund Butts, Kayla Betz, Aaron Betz, Chelsea Betz, Haley Miller (Dustin Mason), Joseph Miller, Marc (Sandy) Wentz, numerous great-grandchildren, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donald and Laura Boucher, nephews, Jim and Doug “Marty” Miller and Zachary Boucher, nieces, Sharon Curtis, Levi and Leslie Boucher and many cousins, and his faithful companion, Gilly the cat. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, son Marc Butts-Miller, brother Kenneth (Mavis) Miller, sister Frances, grandson-in-law Harley Berg, in-laws Marcil and Kathleen Boucher and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral Services for Keith will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.  Visitation will be held today from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 6:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will continue one hour prior to the funeral service. Keith will be laid to rest at the Devils Lake Cemetery on Friday, May 19th at 4:30 p.m.  Casket bearers will be his grandsons; Keith Mudgett, Ronald Mudgett, Joshua Mercer, Logan Mudgett, Aaron Betz, Joseph Miller and Marc Wentz.