Darrell Lee Miller

Darrell Lee Miller

Darrell Miller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 9 to Jan. 11, 2004.
Miller Darrell Lee Miller, age 52, of Minnetonka, passed away after a truly courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on January 8, 2004. Darrell owned Miller's Jewelry Store in Wayzata, was an avid golfer, sports fan, and sentimental guy. Darrell loved being with family and friends. This special man was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Preceded in death by his beloved grandparents. Survived by wife, Laurie Kotzen Miller; cherished son, Benjamin (age 3); parents, Darrell and Marion Miller; sister Joady (Mike) Tombarge; niece, Summer; nephew, Charlie; and many other loving relatives and friends. Laurie and Darrell greatly appreciated the incredible kindness and generosity of family, friends, and the Normandale French Immersion community. Visitation 5-8 PM Tuesday with prayers and sharing time 7:30 PM at David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2420 St. Anthony Blvd, in Mpls. Visitation also 1 hr prior to Mass at church. Interment Hillside Memoriam. Memorials preferred to the Darrell Miller Memorial Fund at any TCF Bank (for Benjamin's education). www.rohan.sdsu.edu/ ~sshelton/miller/ David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577

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February 3, 2004

P. J. Tombarge posted to the memorial.

January 31, 2004

Tom and Barb Dulebohn posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2004

Carol Chappelle posted to the memorial.

P. J. Tombarge

February 3, 2004

May God bless all of Darrell's family and friends with wonderful, comforting memories. Find strength in the knowledge that we'll all be reunited someday. Keep Darrell's spirit alive in your hearts. Peace.

Tom and Barb Dulebohn

January 31, 2004

I,ve been looking for weeks for a way to express the sorrow I was feeling after Darrell's passing. Tom becker told me about this site and I felt compeled to write something.

First, I would like to tell Laurie that I'm sorry I was'nt a better friend. I had a hard time admitting to myself that Dud was sick and it was selfish on my part, but I could'nt face him. I tried in the end, but it was too late. I hope he understood and I hope Laurie does too.

I loved this man dearly and will never forget him. To him goes the pink tees and the golf bag of many colors!!!!

The Dulebohn's

Carol Chappelle

January 20, 2004

Dear Laurie and Ben:

We extend our heart-felt condolences over the loss of your husband and Ben's father, Darrell. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you so much. love,

Carol and Doug

James I. Wall

January 20, 2004

For those of us who sat around a “500” card table with our newly departed friend Darrell (Dude-Eddie, there I got the last word in) let us remember the many good times, and good friend that really defined what Darrell’s life was all about. You simply can not count the number of hands, verbal bantering and pure laughter that came from those gatherings of few and many. Those of us who count themselves among Darrell’s friend (well most of us anyway) acknowledge a lifestyle that was grounded in the pursuit of fun and fellowship with little regard to physical limitations. Regrets, sure, but not that many, and if given the choice of not feeling the sadness I feel today at the lost of a friend -VS- the countless wonderful memories I will cherish the rest of my life…I (as we all would) choice to remember Darrell not as he died but as he lived. So, farewell my friend, in our eyes (your friends) you lived a full and prosperous life. As you join others (and other join you) around the big “500” table in the sky keep the card shuffled, pencil sharpened and Practice! Practice!! Practice!!! James Ignatius Wall (Wooley)

Sandy Obermiller

January 19, 2004

There have been so many wonderful memorials to Darry this past week, each one as dear as the next. I have know Darrel for 31 years. We met through a mutual friend, Dennis Talbot at St. Could State in the fall of 1973. We became friends immediately and for those of you that know us, the rest is history. We had many wonderful times together, we were together 24/7, working Miller's Jewelry as a team and having our 2 days off together. We were blessed with wonderful family and the friendships of many.

In the past 9 months I would call Darrell weekly to see how he was feeling. He would always want to talk about "the good old days", 500 tournaments, camping, New Years Eve Pajama Parties, Annual Memorial Day Parties, 4th of July Celebrations in St. Joe, driving to Wisconsin to buy fire works!Each weekend was spent with our dearest friends, Joey and Janelle. The 4 of us inseparable. He loved those days. Darrell's past was very important to him because of the deep friendships he had with people. He loved each one but had a hard time telling people how he felt, he was always afraid that he would cry. None of us would have minded, we would have cried with him.

After he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer I was able to witness the love and concern that his family and friends had for him. Joady, Mike,Charlie, Summer, Marion and Darrell - he loved you so much! He told me that this past Christmas was the best he ever had and it was because you were all there with him.

Dave Noren, Ray Harris, Gary Pierkarczky, Rick and Nancy Ihli, you were all such good friends, all the way to the end. You would call or drop in weekly, if not daily to see if there was anything you could do or to just sit with him. He appreciated it beyond what words could ever say. Nancy, you were like a sister to Darrell through the good and the bad. You were instrumental in helping him reach out and to find his God. I will always be grateful to you for that. He loved all of you very much.

Darry, we were not without our difficult times but you were my best friend and my partner for over half of my life and you will remain in my heart forever. You are finally at rest and at peace.

Love Always,

Sandy

Pamela Smith

January 18, 2004

Dear Laurie and Ben,

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss! Please know that I am praying for you. May God grant you courage and peace.

Love,

Pamela Smith

Susan Young

January 17, 2004

Dear Laurie,



I am so glad that we had a chance to talk and connect. It really meant a lot to me. I know that these must be your darkest days, but I hope that with time, your loving memories of Darrell will help ease the pain. I keep you in my thoughts and meditations. Sending you peace and lots of love.



Susan

Dave Noren

January 16, 2004

In memory of my best friend, I'd like to share these thoughts. Laurie had asked me to give a eulogy at the funeral. For those of you who know, I am never at a loss for words. But I couldn't. So if I could have, this are some of thoughts I would have shared with everyone. The last few days have been very hard on many people. Friends,relatives and the many lives that were touched by Darrell. During the luncheon after the funeral many of his lifelong friends from his high school and college days spoke about him as a true friend. One person summed it up ..." Once you became a friend of Darrell's, his friends were now your friends." And it was so very true of him. I have been fortunate to know him during the good times and the bad times over the last 25 years. Neither of one us had brother but I think he and I considered each other the brother we never had. I will always thought of him as the positive person of the group. Laurie mentioned that he was an avid golfer. He was and enjoyed every minute on the golf course and always saying "Does it get any better than this?" And every time we played golf at Stonebrooke, Breezy Point, Las Vegas or Myrtle Beach, it was always a moment to remember. Whether it was telling someone how bad a shot they just made or just making us laugh, golfing something I looked forward to every week because of him. As the years went by our Sunday foursomes turned into groups of 8 and 12. Golfing was a large part of his life. His Sunday golf group will be traveling to Myrtle Beach again in March. We take his legacy and a few do overs with us. This summer we will be having a Darrell Miller Memorial Golf Tournament to raise money for The American Cancer Society and for Ben's trust fund. You can inquire about the golf tournament thru the email address. Please remember Darrell in your hearts, I know I will.

Nancy & John Newcomb and Stan Batkiewicz

January 15, 2004

Darrell and Marion Miller and Family

We are so sorry to hear of Darries passing and know that our thoughts are with all of you at this time. Stan (Tanny) and I have may good memories of Darrie and even though it has been a long time since we have all seen each other, we will always keep those memories.

Robert and Joy Greenberg

January 15, 2004

Laurie,

We are very sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Ben.

Teryl Koonmen

January 15, 2004

I met Darrell on 1/10/1990. My mother passed away on 1/8/1990. I am the youngest of eight girls & I was given the huge task of having her ring appraised before her burial. I walked into Miller's Jewelry & spoke with the very nice lady behind the counter. I was very frazelled (sp?) and asked how soon I could have the ring appraissed. She said it would be 3-5 days. I proceeded to break down in tears & tried my best to explain my family needed this before the next days' burial. At that point Darrell leaned around the corner with his eye piece on and said "leave it; we'll have it in an hour". To this day I still have the appraissal & in fact have the ring which Darrell refurbished in December of 2002. What a kind, kind fun man. I will miss him dearly.



I would guess there are so many stories like mine out there. Please share so we can keep his memory burning

Curt Barton

January 15, 2004

Dear Laurie and Ben,

Please accept my deepest condolences and regrets that I am not in town. Whenever you need someone to talk to or a good dinner, give me a call.

Chris Bodine

January 13, 2004

I will miss my brother-in-law and golfing buddy. Darrell was a genuinely good person and a lot of fun to be around.

Mark Swanson

January 13, 2004

Love for Family and Friends is the greatest gift we receive. When those we love no longer bless our lives with their physical presence, the lasting memories of their essence, spirit and love for others are etched within our hearts forever. We love you Dud.

Colin Bodine

January 12, 2004

Aunt Laurie, I love you so much. I am really sorry about Uncle Darrel. He was always so nice to us. I loved when we all played cards in San Diego. Give Ben a hug for me. Your Godson Colin Bodine

Cara Coen-Pesch

January 12, 2004

Dear Laurie,

I remember how happy you were on your wedding day. May the memories of your love shared with Darrell always be with you.

The Brown Family

January 12, 2004

We send our deepest sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ronald and Rosalie Tombarge

January 12, 2004

Darrell and Marion Miller and Family

We are saddened to hear of your Son's Passing and want to offer our Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family. May all the Happy Memories you have of Darrell ease the Sorrow you bear and bring you some kind of Lasting Inner Peace. I know it must be very difficult for you, and at times the Loss may seem overwhelming. But may it be of some Comfort to you in knowing others are Praying for you, and may you draw Strength from your Creator and Love and Support from Family and Friends. God Bless You and Your Family.

Love Ron & Rose Tombarge Cristy, Brian and Tina

Sheila Reschke

January 12, 2004

Dear Laurie,



I wish to extend my deepest condolences on Darrell's passing. You have been such a strong and courageous person throughout his illness. Please call on me if I can be of any help at all. God bless you and Ben.

Karen Olson

January 12, 2004

Laurie and Ben,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. From what I could tell Darrell was a kind and loving person and a wonderful husband and father. May your faith help you through these difficult days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Engman

January 11, 2004

My heart goes out to you and your family he was a very good man.

Candi Bodine

January 11, 2004

Laurie, I love you very much and I am so sad about your loss. Darrell was such a good man and you are a better person for having had the chance to love him and be loved by him. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. your sister Candi

Mary (Edison) Sinclair

January 11, 2004

Dear Laurie & Ben,

I will miss Darrell very much. I haven't met you as of yet, but have heard alot about you and how much you ment to my Cousin. He was very luck to find someone like you to fill his life with so much love.



Love,

Mary(Edison)Sinclair

Julie Herges Calasanz

January 11, 2004

Darrell - a dear friend from way back. A week ago I was blessed to visit with him at his home. Enroute to Singapore, there was a magnificant Full moon that cast gold hues over the landscape and I believe it was Darrell's finest hour. He was a great matchmaker too! Darrell we miss you already. May you experience eternal peace with Our Lord. He chose a real gem! Love, Julie and Titus.

Shannon Graber

January 11, 2004

Dear Laurie and Ben, Yesterday Annika folded her hands and closed her eyes at the table. She said that she was praying for Ben's papa because that was what mama does. May the prayers of a three year old and older bring you comfort. We love you. Love, Shannon, Dan, Annika and Grant

Carol Ann DesJardins

January 11, 2004

Thank you for being my cousin. I will miss you....I remember the great times playing with you and Joady when we were growing up.

Love,

Carol Ann

John Goins & Robert Broecker

January 10, 2004

Laurie:

Our hearts are filled with grief at your loss and with joy at the memory of the obvious love that has shone thorugh your marriage. Our love is with you at this time and always.

Gerry Lukaska

January 10, 2004

Dear Laurie,



We are so sorry for your loss and keep you and Ben in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Darrell for his infectious smile, interest in gardens and all encompassing love for you.

Rich and Carrie Cleveland

January 10, 2004

Darrell always made us smile. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and everyone else who's lives were touched by Darrell. He will be sorely missed.

Richard and Cameron Mark

January 9, 2004

Darrell was a wonderful friend and we will miss his laughter, humor, love and friendship. God bless his family and may their journey back to peace, be gentle and blessed with God speed.

PJ Tombarge

January 9, 2004

God bless you, Darrie.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

You will all reunite again someday.

All my love,

Paulette/PJ

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Sign Darrell Miller's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 3, 2004

P. J. Tombarge posted to the memorial.

January 31, 2004

Tom and Barb Dulebohn posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2004

Carol Chappelle posted to the memorial.