David John Miller

David John Miller, 65, passed away on February 17, 2026 at Fairview Ridges in Burnsville, MN after a year long winning battle with cancer.

Born on April 23, 1960, in St. Peter, Minnesota, David was the son of Donald and Granis (Olson) Miller. He grew up in Mankato, where he graduated from Mankato West High School before pursuing computer programming at the Mankato Vo-Tech. That path led to his first position at Waseca Mutual Insurance - and to the love of his life, Ruth Bloemke.

David and Ruth were married on November 19, 1983, in Springfield, Minnesota, beginning a partnership that would span more than four decades. They first made their home in Richfield, where David joined Lieberman Enterprises, a national distributor of vinyl records, cassettes, and arcade games. He worked in the Computer Operations department, where he combined his technical talents with the fast-moving world of entertainment systems. He was one of the last employees out when the business closed their doors. In 1986, they welcomed their son, Bryon. A few years later, in 1989, they built a home in Rosemount and were blessed in 1990 with the birth of their daughter, Leah.

David's professional life reflected his steady focus and dedication. Working at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park in computer operations and network support, he cultivated a broad perspective of what it takes to support the many intricate systems used in the healthcare field. He went on to spend more than 20 years at UnitedHealth Group as a Sr Network Engineer using his strategic foresight & abilities to lead and support the ever-changing information technology systems. Known for his precision and commitment, David often worked late into the night - the quiet hours when complex systems could be updated and improved. He was a man who understood that behind every line of code were real people depending on it to work.

But David was more than a numbers and systems expert - he was a man of great faith, integrity, music, family, and connection.

He found great joy in barbershop harmony, singing with his Dad and the Mankato Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus, building many friendships and cherished family traditions. He later joined the Great Northern Union Chorus which took him across North America, for performances on the International Competition stages in Anaheim, Kansas City, Nashville, Portland, and Montreal. His family always enjoyed supporting his favorite hobby, whether singing at an international competition, the National Anthem at the Vikings stadium, a local performance at Como Park, or a spontaneous tag with three other guys - he would get the biggest smile and have the best laughs!

As a dad, David was deeply involved in his children's lives. From early years of coaching soccer & basketball, to cheering on marching band field shows, he would encourage his children's curiosity & support them in every way he could. Later on there would be barbecue rib cook-offs, building computer systems, and home improvement projects - nothing was off limits. As a Grandfather, he cherished his grand children and every conversation with them gave him such joy. His love for his family shines on.

David loved facts, figures, and a well-reasoned discussion. He had a sharp wit, a unique perspective, and a gift for conversation. He could strike up a discussion with anyone and genuinely meant it when he asked how you were doing. Coming from a large family, he carried that sense of closeness into every part of his life - always present, always supportive, always steady.

David will be remembered for his intellect, his competitiveness in cribbage, his harmonies, his humor, and above all, his unwavering devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Bryon (Jenny) of Apple Valley and Leah of Rosemount; two grandchildren, Andrew and Lucy; siblings, Steve (Eileen) of Mankato, Sue (Jerry) Thul of Mankato, Doug of Minneapolis, Jo (Keith) Snow of Waseca and Amy (Mark) Wersal of North Mankato; in-laws Alan (Jeff) Bloemke of Albert Lea, Linda (Lee) Nelson of Rosemount, Donny (Sherry) Bloemke of Sleepy Eye, Dale Bloemke of Stewartville, Nancy Nachreiner of Mound, and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private committal and burial will be held at Woodland Hills Cemetery in Mankato.

Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com