Duane C. Miller

Duane C. Miller 

Duane Curtis Miller, age 81, of O'Neill, passed away Nov. 11, 2012, at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, from 5-8 p.m.,  with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Atkinson with Pastor John Brink officiating. Music was provided by organist, Caroline Poessnecker and soloist, Alan Poessnecker.

Pallbearers were Tom Hickey, Don Havranek, Roy Waterman, Ray Waterman, Mike Clyde and Doug Simons.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Atkinson American Legion Post #86 at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Duane Curtis Miller was born in Lynch on Aug. 17, 1931, to James Albert and Leah (Cromwell) Miller. He was one of two children born to this union. His brother, James, passed away when he was just an infant.

The family lived north of O'Neill for a time and then moved southeast of Emmet when Duane was just nine years old. He attended grade school in the country but graduated from O'Neill High School.

While in high school Duane met Doris Smith. After high school they were married in O'Neill and had three boys, Ken, Scott and Todd. Duane enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 19, 1952, and was discharged on Jan. 27, 1956. After Duane returned from his service with the Air Force the family made their home south of Emmet.

Duane ranched and did contractor work, remodeling homes and other buildings. He loved to hunt, fish, trap and read books. Duane liked books of all kinds but especially loved reading the Omaha World Herald every day from front to back.

He also like Nebraska football and the Chicago Bears. Gardening was another favorite pass time. Duane had a huge garden growing many different things but tomatoes were his passion. He would invite people out to the house and before they left he would give them a "few" tomatoes, often filling the trunks of their cars.

On Oct. 2, 1993, Duane married Jeanene Johnson in Atkinson. She passed away on March 19, 2006.

Duane is survived by his sons, Ken Miller and wife, Cheryl of Norfolk, Scott Miller and wife, Diane of Kansas City, MO and Todd Miller and wife, Joyce of Emmet; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Doris in June of 2000 and second wife, Jeanene in 2006; and an infant brother, James.