Neil E. Miller

Neil "Slick" Miller passed away on Friday November 11, 2011 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Moorhead, MN. Neil was born the third son of Harry and Effie Miller on March 28th, 1931 in Fargo, ND. Neil graduated from Moorhead High School in 1949. During high school Neil participated in football and basketball. The nick name "Slick" was given to Neil from his high school friends for his basketball prowess – or so he tells the story. Following graduation, "Slick" entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Following his discharge in 1954 he built cabins in the Detroit Lakes area with his Uncle Cliff Gunderson and also worked for Fairmount Creamery in Moorhead, MN. He married Joyce Hanson of Detroit Lakes, MN on April 8, 1956. Neil joined the North Dakota Air National Guard as a full time technician in 1956 retiring as Chief Master Sergeant in 1989 after 34 years of dedicated service with the Air Guard. He was proud to be a "Happy Hooligan".Following retirement Neil and Joyce enjoyed summers at the lake cabin on Lake Six and many trips to Hawaii during the winter months. Neil always enjoyed a good card game with his buddies, whether it was poker, pinochle, or gin. The Monday night poker gang will miss "Slick" – especially when they play "Slicks Game". Remember you need to bet before you flip! Neil's family was his pride and joy! Neil was the biggest fan for his kids and grandkids in whatever activities they chose. You would see him at all the events of his family that he could possibly attend. He was a huge fan of Moorhead Spuds athletic teams, the Moorhead Blues American Legion baseball team, the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, and the Minnesota Vikings. Neil was a member of the Moorhead American Legion, Dilworth VFW, Moorhead Athletic Association, and Moorhead Knights of Columbus.Neil is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joyce, and his children Vicki Mike Headley of Plymouth, MN, Greg Janet Miller of Virginia, MN, Jeff Ronette Miller of Moorhead, MN, Amy Brad Bassingthwaite of Roseau, MN. He is loved and missed by his pride and joys, grandchildren Megan Headley, Rebecca Headley, Nick Miller, Coco Miller, Karissa Vosen, Jeremy Vosen, Lucas Reski, Erin Reski, Betsy Miller, Brooks Miller, and Emma Bassingthwaite. Neil is survived by his brothers Lotis Miller of San Diego, CA, Virgil Pam Miller of Apache Junction, AZ and sister Shona Sam Boarts of El Cajon, CA. Also surviving are sister in-laws Ruth Jerry Price of Detroit Lakes, MN, Marlys Ed Hamann of Wadena, MN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and true friends. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Norm and Eva Hanson, brother in-law Tom Carlisle, sister in-law Esther Miller, and one nephew Steven Price. Neil received outstanding care from all the medical professionals who cared for him the last years. Special thanks to Dr. Walter Johnson, Dr. Tim Mahoney, Dr. Michael Henry, Dr. Roberto Petron, and all the wonderful nurses of Essentia Health who assisted Neil in trying to make his life better.Special thanks to the professionals and staff at Eventide Lutheran Home. The care and assistance Neil received will never be forgotten. You are all are true angels!A gathering of friends and family will take place on Monday evening, November 14, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. Memorial Service will be 11:00 am Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd, 4000 28th St. So., Moorhead, MN.Heaven received a great American Veteran on Veterans Day!Memorials preferred to Moorhead Field of Dreams Matson Field Stadium project, PO Box 322, Moorhead, MN or Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead, MN