Zita A. Miller

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St. Cloud State University Winona State University

Zita Miller Obituary

Miller, Zita A. Age 83 Of Stillwater Surrounded by family, died Saturday July 4, 2009 at the Boutwell Landing Gathering Place. Zita was born November 9,1925 in Stillwater, Minnesota. She attended St. Michael's Catholic School, graduated from Stillwater High School in 1943 where she wrote for the school paper and was a member of the National Honor Society. She obtained her teaching certificate in two years from Winona State College, graduating in 1946. She continued her education at St. Cloud State University, earning her Bachelor's Degree in 1957. Zita taught grades five and six for two years in Mazeppa, Minnesota. She taught sixth grade in Red Wing, Minnesota at Colvill Elementary School from 1946 to 1984, where she was school Principal for four years. She was a member and past president of the Business and Professional Women of Red Wing and was named their 1983 Women of the Year. She was president of the St. Croix Catholic School Board in 1992. Zita was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was a proud participant in the Hibernian procession at the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration held at the St. Paul Cathedral. Zita was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gertrude Miller; siblings Honore Rolstad, Rose Miller, OLVM, Joseph Miller, Msgr. James Miller, and brother-in-law Frederick Rolstad Sr. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marilyn Miller; nieces and nephews, Christine (Jack Richard) Landon, Frederick (Roxanne) Rolstad, George (Melissa) Miller, Terese Miller, Brigh Mueller, John (Sue) Miller, Katherine (Steve Wieber) Rolstad, James (Barbara) Rolstad, Martin (Laurie) Miller, William (Deborah) Miller. Zita was loved and will be missed by many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Zita advocated through her actions for peace and social justice.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday July 9, 2009 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Bayport, Minnesota. Viewing one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be Wednesday July 8, 2009, from 5-7 PM at Simonet Funeral Home, Stillwater. Rosary at 7 PM. Interment will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Bayport, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to Julia Center or St. Vincent De Paul.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Jul. 5 to Jul. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Zita Miller

7 Entries

Beverly Nelson Von Ende

August 31, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to everyone on Zita Miller's passing. She was a gifted and talented teacher who broadened her students' minds and horizons. I was in her sixth grade class in 1956. Zita took a classmate and I to her parents' home in Stillwater for a weekend and treated us to dinner at the famous Lowell Inn. We learned a valuable lesson in deportment and how to use a finger bowl! She taught us that elegance was a good goal. Her lessons in etiquette and self confidence have been helpful many times--especially when my husband, a television news director, and I attended a press club dinner in Washington, D.C. Among the guests were Senator Edward Kennedy and Gerald Ford, then the Vice President of the U.S. I wish I had taken the time to tell Zita how much I admired her but surely now she knows my thoughts and prayers for her. God bess you, Zita.

Kristi Nash

July 14, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Zita's passing. She was truly a wonderful person, and really touched everyone she met. I met her as a Hibernian and will miss her humor and kindness.

July 6, 2009

I, like my twin Jean, was at Winona State with Zita back in the 40's. I think I last met her at Honore's in Rochester when your brother was there. Honore came to Assisi Heights for Mass often, and we would visit there--even shortly before her death. Both were dear friends; all my memories of them are good! Peace to you all. Sister Edith Zamboni, OSF

July 6, 2009

Zita was a friend from the first days at Winona State when we were neighbors in the dorm in 1944. I taught in Red Wing (art) a couple of times and she and Helen Rien shared their apartment with ME for a year. She and Honore have been to my house and I to theirs. I visited Zita before they were going to tear down the bridge and she was going to move. It is a great shock to me about her death, as my last phone call to her after Christmas didn't mention even being sick.
She was a wonderful person and now most of her family is together in HEAVEN for sure. Jean Zamboni in Owatonna

Judy Hemp

July 6, 2009

Miss Miller was my 6th grade teacher at Colvill School when my family was new to Red Wing back in 1953, I've always had fond memories of this wonderfully kind, caring and welcoming teacher. She made learning fun!

Jim Hauke

July 6, 2009

Dear Miller family and friends, I was a member of Zita's "class of 53" at Colvill School. She was an amazing person and a great teacher. Her patience, compassion, and understanding of her students was second to none. I know she left an indelible positive print on each of the students who were lucky enough to have her as a teacher.

Karen Strusz

July 6, 2009

Dear family of Zita - I worked with Zita at Colvill School for 15 years and always considered her one of my dearest "teaching friends". I will miss hearing from her at Christmas and sending her a St. Patrick's Day card (from a Swede!!). We always shared stories of our families and as I read the obituary, I was amazed at how her family had grown. I'm sure you will all feel a void in your lives, as Zita was a very special person. Sincerely, Karen Strusz

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