Carl Eugene Miller

Carl Miller was born in Leadville on October 28, 1938, to Carl and Ruth (Walsh) Miller. He attended St. Mary's grade school and then attended Leadville High School and graduated with the class of 1956. After high school, Carl went to work in the local mines at the Irene, Julia Fisk, and Helena. He then volunteered for the draft and was inducted into the US Army in January of 1958. After basic training, Carl served in Gelhausen, Germany and was honorably discharged in 1960. After serving his country, he returned to Leadville and began his career as an underground electrician where he worked for Climax Mine for 27 years.

In 1961, Carl married his high school sweetheart Mary Ann (Skala) Miller. They have been married for 64 years. Carl and Mary Ann had two daughters, Cindy (Miller) Koucherik and Sherry (Miller) McGoldrick- the idols of their lives. They also have four grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. They were the true treasures of Carl's life. His family was the most important and cherished aspect of his life.

Carl was an active member of his community throughout his adult life. He served on the Executive Board and as the President of the IBEW Electrical Union while working as an electrician, and he also attended night classes at Colorado Mountain College on his GI Bill. He went on to serve as Lake County Commissioner for twelve years, and during that time was part of a community team that worked to entice the mining industry to select Leadville as the permanent home for the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. In 1989, he was appointed as President and Executive Director of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and led the development that turned his old vacated high school into a world-renowned Mining Museum. After ten years of dedication to the Mining Museum, Carl ran for State Representative. He was successful in his endeavor and served four terms in the Colorado House of Representatives. As Carl was term limited in his service to the House of Representatives, he was subsequently appointed by Governor Bill Owens to serve on Public Utilities Commission. In 2008, he retired from politics and public life but remained active in his local community.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading biographies, history, and especially Leadville history. He loved the outdoors, prospecting, bike riding, and could always be found on an early morning walk. He also took pleasure in working in his yard.

Carl is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughters Cindy (Donnie) Koucherik and Sherry (Patrick) McGoldrick. Grandchildren Kayla (Koucherik) Marcella, Stephanie Koucherik, Christopher Koucherik, Nicole McGoldrick, and great grandchildren Elizabeth Savoren, Abigail Marcella, RyLee Marcella and Emilia Koucherik. Sisters Mary Lou (Gale) Richards, Jean Ann (Jim) Farlow, Brother Donnie (Debbie) Miller, and sister-in-law Norma Skala, and many nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on August 22, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. with a mass immediately following, and a reception at the Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating on Carl's behalf to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.