Kenneth Miner

When I decided to return to school I was deciding between English and Linguistics. I spoke to some mere mortal in Wescoe, peering at his mere mortal library. Then I walked past Watson to Blake Hall. There he was. Kenneth Miner, one of the most transcendent souls I shall ever meet. From that day forward, he was the greatest mentor I shall ever have. I learned how to learn and I learned how to teach in his classes, and as I teach now, I often channel his empathy. I will always ponder where all...

I met Ken at a linguistics meeting once, perhaps even twice. He struck me as a very earnest man and very eager to learn about how languages work. Eventually he became employed in Wisconsin and researched the Menominee language, which later became my principal linguistic research interest. He and I could have had a lot to share--another one of those "could have's," except our paths never crossed again. Ken, paec-apenon! (Rest well!)

Occasionally I check online for people from my past. Today I´m saddened to see that Ken has passed. I met him and Gloria at Bloomington IN hospital when Kepler was born, a day before my daughter, Wendy. My daughter had a birth defect and Gloria immediately welcomed me and my family, as friends, into her family. They were certainly unique and opened my eyes to new ways of looking at life. Ken was also very kind and welcoming. After our years in Bloomington the family visited us twice...

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I didn't know you, but I knew some of your work. Thank you, Ken Miner, for the Ho Chunk lexicon. It's carried us a long way. My belated condolences to the family.

From the Linguistics Department at KU, our deepest condolences to the Miner family. Most of us came after Professor Miner retired from KU so we did not know him personally. But we will honor his legacy of research and teaching in linguistics to the best of our ability. Chair, Linguistics Department, KU

Dearest Esla and Kepler,
We have so many fond memories of your mom and dad. Your dad was a brilliant, kind and soft spoken. We so enjoyed both their company and have many fond memories of our times together. May he now rest in peace with your dear mom Gloria. Love, Purviz Birdie

Dear Kepler and Esla,
Your father was my teacher from 1981-1991. He was on my dissertation committee. I had three great committee members, each of whom filled a specific mentor role for me. Ken was my intellectual mentor. He treated me like his intellectual equal and was always open to new ideas. He might have had the widest ranging mind of anyone I've ever known. He was also deeply kind and had a great sense of humor.
We both went to the LSA Institute at Georgetown in 1985. He wanted...

Ken,
When I first came to KU for graduate studies of Siouan and Algonkian languages and linguistics under you, I could hardly have anticipated that our warm acquaintance would grow into one of the closest friendships of my life. We shared many interests: languages and linguistics; ethnology, the history of civilization; jokes; philosophy, including the philosophy of science; art and music; Native American studies generally. On my visits to your home, you and Gloria and I had lots of fun...