Doris Miller

Doris Mae (Kvanbek) Miller went home to Our Heavenly Father on Friday, December 29, 2023, and was made whole. There she joined her husband Robert K Miller and daughter Wendy Lane once again. Along with her parents Jacob and Linnie Kvanbek, twin sister Dorean F Brouillette, sister Thelma (Heggen, Tollefson) Ree, brothers Virgil Heggen and Julian Kvanbek.  Her in-laws and so many more loved ones.

Doris was born November 26, 1930, in Montevideo, MN. Recently celebrated by many for her 93rd birthday at her Clarks Grove MN home, where she lived with her daughter until the end of a very blessed life.  She grew up on a farm in Minneota, MN.  Later moving to town into the basement while they built the new home above them.  Dorean said,” She always did her make-up and hair just so. Always looked nice and always had a boyfriend.” She worked hard her entire life no matter the tool in her hand. She was beautiful, smart, humble, creative, so loving, and devoted to her family, her community, and God.

She graduated high school in 1948.   Went on to Augustana College in Sioux Falls SD where she majored in art and later became an art teacher.  More importantly where she met Robert…” Would you like to go to the dance with me Doris?... Boy! would I!!”  They sealed the deal on the Arkota dance floor and fell in love.  She graduated college in May 1952,  Robert served his country again until May 1952, and they married on June 28, 1952, in Minneota, MN.

They started their life together in Sioux Falls SD and began their family with the birth of Stephen (Jo-Anne, Bayville NJ).  Then Mark (Vermillion SD) was born. They bought their first home together in Vermillion SD, where they had Wendy (Mark, Primghar IA) and made their family complete with the adoption of Holly (Clarks Grove MN). In 1973 they made Clarks Grove MN their home. 

Doris served her communities as a Jaycee, making very creative fundraisers, and as president of so many organizations; she also sang in the college and church choirs. She served the Lord through Bible study, circle groups, and charity, and organized very successful church luncheons. She designed, created, and sewed the banners that adorn the walls of Grace Lutheran Church today.  Served at commodities and loaves and fishes.  Her latest award in 2019, the Melvin Jones Fellow, is the highest civilian award given by the Lions Club of Albert Lea.  She was alongside her husband with every step. Every club:  Lions, Masons, Shriners, American Legion, and Church.  An unbeatable team…Bob and Doris.

Hours into her Art Masters made her an unaffordable teacher and she later became a realtor.  Real Estate suited her, and she excelled. She was in numerous real estate offices during her career in Albert Lea; selling some houses twice.  She knew this town and who to talk to; reaching million-dollar sales for time period goals numerous times.

Our first VCR was a top sales prize-it was a really big deal then!  Being a realtor afforded a flexible schedule.  She was able to still care for and be involved with her parents, siblings, husband, children, and grandchildren: Mark (Eve-Mpls), Rory (Kylee-Sheldon IA) Ivy (Kit-Primghar IA), Sean (Primghar IA), and Michael (Tonya-Albert Lea). Great grandchildren: Sadie and Noah Miller and Cora (Mark Jr), Starla and Trent Lane (Rory), Suki, Keiran and Kai Roed (Ivy). Great-great-granddaughter Charlotte (Sadie). She was always there and in it all with all of us.

She was a seamstress beyond measure. Foraging used clothes shops for brand names, buttons, zippers, laces, and prints.  She built herself a considerably unique wardrobe; always in a skirt and looking beautiful.  She sewed her own bridal gown and bridal party dresses; then her daughter's and granddaughter's.  She also sewed her grand and great-grandchildren’s outfits, then their dolls, and even our beloved pets. She mended so many of our favorite things to use just a bit longer.  She made incredible food and made sure you were fed well!  Swiss steak, a family favorite, or just yours; all you had to do was ask.  She loved to read and was a speed reader; two Harlequins and a tube of saltines at night.  The Reacher series, the Bourne series, and murder mysteries.  She made things special.  She made you feel special.

Thank you, LeAnn, for your everyday love and attention. Thank you, Pat, and Billi for holding us up when we couldn’t.  The Madrigal family for your presence, special talents, and support to whatever was needed or happening along the way. Thank you to our neighbors, the Williamsons and Vogts for every little thing and kindness that meant so much to us. Thank you to St Croix Hospice for the guidance, loving care, and support until the very end.  Thank you. 

Please donate and support your favorite charity to Honor Doris Miller in the best way you can.  She only wanted the best for Anyone and Everyone.

A funeral service for Doris will be held at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service in Albert Lea starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024; visitation will begin one hour prior. Doris will be interred alongside her husband, Robert, during a private service in Tulare, SD.