Helen A. Miller

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud for Helen A. Miller, age 87 of St. Cloud who passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010 at her home. Interment will take place at the North Star Cemetery Columbarium in St. Cloud.

Family and friends may call after 12:00 noon on Thursday at the church in St. Cloud. Arrangements were by the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Helen Anne Miller was born on June 16, 1923 to John and Sophie (Popowski) Knaus. Deaconess Hospital in Grafton, North Dakota was the place of her birth. Helen graduated from high school in Grafton and went on to attend Business College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. While in college Helen lived with an uncle. It was at that time; Helen met Morris who was farming in Yankton.

On December 24, 1941, Helen married Morris Alfred Miller in South Sioux, Nebraska. To this marriage of 67 years was born Marlys Hamilton of Westminister, CA: Marvin, Michael (Ruth) and Mark (JoAnn) all of St. Cloud. Morris and Helen trucked corn and pigs for three years while living in Sioux City. They then moved to Akron, IA, where each of the children was born. The couple farmed in Akron and St. Cloud. In addition to farming Helen worked for IDS, and Herges Real Estate. She retired as an executive secretary from the Art Department at St. Cloud State University.

Even with their impaired vision and arthritic hands, Helen created beautiful crocheted afghans for the many people she loved. Helen spent many hours tending to and nurturing her gardens. Although it was difficult for her to see, Helen kept the weeds at bay. There are tomato and cucumber plants flourishing along the south side of her home. When on a visit to Helen’s home it was usually important to view the peonies, rose bushes and clematis. Sewing, canning and homemaking were a few of her many talents. When young, Helen and Morris danced more than one night away. Helen was a strong, independent lady. Feisty, might also be said of her personality.
Helen was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years.

Helen is survived by her daughter and sons, her grandchildren, Cindy, Tony, Linda, Matt, Jacob, Sam, Ross, Derek, and Taira, and her great grandchildren Cameron, Bryan, Ashley, Matthew, Thomas, Gavin, and Adryan.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Morris, parents, sister, Kathleen Schumacher, brother, Ernest Knaus, and grandson Tim Rahm.