Robert Miller

Robert J. “Bob” Miller, age 86, of Madison, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at his residence under hospice care.

Robert J. Miller was born April 22, 1930, at Wessington Springs, SD, to Robert and Hilda (Ericsson) Miller.  He graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1949 and then enlisted into the US Army.  He served from 1952-54, including his time as a Corporal in the Korean War.  He earned his BS degree at DSU, his Master’s at USD and graduate work at SDSU.  He married Ruth Ann Hodgson on June 29, 1952 at Wessington Springs and she passed away on December 5, 1979.  He married Nancy Jensen on May 30, 1992 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton.

He was a teacher and coach at Madison High School for 34 years, retiring in 1992.  Later he helped at Ellsworth Funeral Home.  Bob was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1958, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Communion Asssistant and Loafer (Communion bread maker), money counter and usher.  He was active in the Elks Lodge #1442, serving many years as Secretary and he was awarded Elk of the Year.  Additionally, he was President of the Midwest Bowlers (Elks) Association, past president of the DSU Alumni Assn., and was a member of the Madison VFW and American Legion.  He was a member of the Graceland Cemetery Board, and the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame.  Bob enjoyed bowling, remodeling, fixing things and gardening.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ruth Ann; and three brothers, Donald, Roger, and Charles Miller.  Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Madison; four sons, Dr. Mark Miller (Nancy Weaver) of St. Louis, MO, Todd (Diane) Miller of Oviedo, FL; Patrick (Suzanne) Jensen of Waukee, IA and Michael (Amanda) Jensen, of Columbia, SC; three daughters, Diana (Gale) Maas of Wentworth, Trish (Jeff) Wettlaufer of Sioux Falls, and Kristen (Justin) Hummel of Dallas, TX, eighteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren;one brother, Jerry (Karla) Miller of Plainville, MN; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Miller of Swea City, IA and Evelyn Hodgson of Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Madison, Madison Regional Health Systems or Madison Hospice.

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