Carl Dean Miller

Carl Dean Miller, 90, of Winona, died Monday, February 6, 2012 at Lake Winona Manor.Carl was born on November 22, 1921 in Markle, Indiana to Roscoe and Helen (Jennings) Miller. During his senior year at Markle High School, Carl led the basketball team to Indiana State Finals and he was awarded the MVP award. He graduated from high school in 1939 and enlisted in the United States Navy on September 15, 1942. After basic training in Corpus Christi, TX and medical corp. training in California, Carl began serving in the Asiatic Pacific on the USS Sibley, APA 206. He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1945.Carl was united in marriage to Elaine Quinn in San Diego, CA on November 16, 1944. After she passed away in 1992, Carl married Bessie Pickering in 2002 in Winona. Together, they enjoyed traveling and golfing.After being discharged, Carl attended Electrical Training School in Chicago with funds provided by his GI Bill. He was employed by Lackore Electrical Company in Winona from 1947-1957. He then owned Miller Electrical Motor Repair from 1957 until 1967. In 1984, Carl retired from the Army Corp. of Engineers, Lock #5, as an Electrical Equipment Repairman.He was a member of the Church of Christ in St. Charles, American Legion Post #9 for 39 years, and the Elks #0329 for 17 years. Carl enjoyed fishing, and bow hunting for deer.Carl is survived by his wife, Bessie Miller of Winona; sons, William (Nancy) Miller of Boscobel, WI and Leslie (Patricia) Miller of Winona; son-in-law, Ronald (Joan) Kesler of Westby, WI; grandchildren, Jill Miller of Denton, TX, Beth (Sean) Kangrga of Savage, MN, Heath (Christina) Kesler of CO, Christopher (Melissa) Kesler of Denton, TX; 8 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Kiara, McKenna, Darian, Stephanie, Trinity, Liam and Nolan. 4 step-children, David (Jackie) Million, Joseph (Luisa) Richards, Brenda Skelton, and Dena (Richard) Wiggins, 14 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elaine (Quinn) Miller; baby sister, Wilma Miller; brother, Max (Wava) Miller and daughter Judith Kesler.Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel and also one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be at 11am on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the funeral home with Preacher Jimmy Mickells officiating. Following the service at the funeral home, full military honors will be provided by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9. Burial will take place at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Winona Area Hospice, donate blood to the Winona blood bank, or give time to a shut-in.Please share a memory of Carl with his family, sign the online guestbook, and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/281882