Kenneth Miller was born on February 25, 1947, in Tyler, Minnesota to LeRoy and Doris Henkel Miller. He grew up on the family farm south of Balaton, MN and graduated from Balaton High School in 1965. Kenneth served in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1988. On October 23, 1971, he and Audrey Vogt were married at Sillerud Lutheran Church in rural Balaton, MN. Following their marriage, they farmed the Miller family farm and raised their two children. Kenneth semi-retired in 2022 but in the words of Kenneth “Farmers never retire.”
In November 2023 they moved to Marshall. Kenneth passed away at his home in Marshall on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the age of 76. He was a lifelong member of Sillerud Lutheran Church where he was active in Bible Study, usher, council member, cemetery board, sang in the choir and Our hands God’s work. He also was a member of the Balaton American Legion Post, Cub Scout Leader and active in many farm organizations. Kenneth and Audrey hosted MAST students through the University of Minnesota helping many future agriculture students. Kenneth loved farming and was a loyal John Deere man, although he was most passionate about being a husband, father, and grandfather.
Kenneth enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and other school activities. Kenneth was very proud to receive his 9-gallon pin from the American Red Cross for blood donation. Kenneth never met a stranger; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved visiting. He will be remembered for his kind and caring soul always willing to generously give of his time, talent, and resources.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey Miller of Marshall, MN two children and their spouse, Anne and Jay Collier of Albert Lea, MN, and Jay and Annette Miller of Balaton, MN, four grandchildren, Jackson and Hannah Collier of Cedar Falls, IA, Malaney Collier of Sioux Falls, SD, Ronnie Jorgenson of Prescott Valley, AZ, and Rick Jorgenson of Fort Leonard Wood, MO, one sister, Paulette Brendefur and her husband, Ken of Fergus Falls, MN, sister-in-law, Kay Vogt of Glendale, AZ, brother-in-law, Randy Vogt of Albert Lea, MN, and four nieces, Jackie, Patty, Lindsay and Kirsten and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, and infant sister, Jeanette Miller.
Memorial services will be at Sillerud Lutheran Church in rural Balaton, MN on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Rick Carlson and Rev. Lori Von Holtum officiating. The organist is Lora Matzner. Interment is at Sillerud Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors accorded by the Balaton American Legion Post.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Sillerud Lutheran Church or to the Murray County Relay for Life. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com