Marlene Miller

Marlene Mae was born on May 6th, 1935 the oldest of five children to John and Dora (Denk) Baumann.

On November 25, 1955 she married Wilford Miller, they made their home in a small two room house on Wilford's parents' farm.  They had only a wood stove, no running water or indoor bathroom.  The couple had a very unique outhouse – a three holer—two adult size and one cut down for children.  In 1965, they added propane heat, running water and a water heater.  About 1967, the Millers moved up the road about a mile and built a garage and set a mobile home on the acreage.  In the early 1980’s they moved in a modular house in which they still reside today.

Marlene worked a variety of jobs: the food counter at Woolworths, cleaning cabins at both Blakes on Lake Andrew and Geneva Beach.  Marlene didn’t like Uncle Sam getting a chunk of her paycheck so she always preferred working for cash – she really, really liked getting paid in cash!

Marlene enjoyed crocheting, quilting, sewing, baking.  She enjoyed getting together with Laurel, Sandy and Carol to sew quilts.  But if you really wanted to make her excited give her a new crochet pattern magazine.  She has bags and storage tubs of yarn.  She was always working on a blanket or project to crochet.  If she knew banana bread was your favorite when you came to visit you got banana bread.  On holidays and birthdays she would make multiple pies, bars, cookies, dipped pretzels and rozettes – there would be ice cream pails full to munch on.

If on a nice summer evening you drove past the landing on Lake Victoria, you might catch her out on the dock fishing.  She enjoyed going to other lakes too but that big dock on Lake Victoria was the best.  She loved to eat fish.  Music was another thing she enjoyed – in her younger years she played the accordian and later on in life the organ.  She loved the old songs and if there was dancing her toes would tap until someone asked her to dance – she loved to dance.

Bargain hunting was another hobby she had – thrift shops- garage sales and in later years – the Dollar Store.  She would proudly display her latest find!

She also enjoyed going to the casino.  If she could get there those penny slots got a good workout.  She loved the chance to win big.  But her biggest excitement was when that Publisher Clearing House entry arrived.  She was insistent – she would be the next winner!  Had to get that mailed back ASAP!!

With her Birthday being May 6th, just before Mothers Day – family always made sure she got blooming flowers for both.  She loved getting pots of happy blooming flowers to put about the house and yard.  Her favorite are tulips, peonies, iris, and lilies.  They always brought a smile when she got them.

Marlene passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.  She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Wilford, three children: Mark (Dolly) Miller, Cindy Miller, Sally (Joe) Sletten; six grandchildren: Rose, Dustin, Tanner, LeLand, Hallie and Peyton; four great grandchildren: Braxton, Braylee, Lexi, Owen; two brothers: Jack Baumann and Ervin Baumann;  many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mable Kolle, brother, Roger Baumann.

May you always have music to dance among the flowers.  You will be missed!

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home with Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at the Nelson Cemetery.