Harold Miller
1921 — 2015
Harold B. Miller, 93 of Elgin passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015 at his home.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 (today) at the United Methodist Church in Elgin, with Reverends Michael and Janet Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 229 and VFW Post 5816 of Elgin. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Huffman-Levander Funeral Home in Elgin. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com.
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Harold B. Miller, twin son of William H. and Elizabeth (Smith) Miller, was born June 6, 1921 in his family’s home, on a farm near Elgin. He attended school at Sheldon rural district #148 through the 10th grade, graduating from Elgin High School in 1939. He entered the US Navy on Sept. 9, 1942 and served during World War II. He was part of the D-Day invasion, commanding a Higgins boat landing British Commandoes on Juno Beach at 3:00 a.m. on June 6, 1944, his 23rd birthday. At 9 a.m. his LST landed on the beach, where they remained until the tide returned. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Chief Petty Officer in December 1945.
On May 29, 1946, Harold married Arlene M. Edwards at Neligh. Harold was engaged in farming and raising cattle, while the couple made their home on the Miller Farm where he was born, they lived all their married life, and where he passed away. They were blessed with two sons: James and Richard.
Harold was a member of American Legion Post 229 of Elgin, served many years on the Elgin Township board, as well as rural and town school boards. He was a founding member of the Elkhorn Valley Fiddlers which formed circa 1964, entertaining at nursing homes and around the area for over 30 years. One of his favorite pastimes was debating with county officials. He was an avid square dancer and member of the Antelope Promenaders and Oakdale Country Spinners square dance clubs.
He also enjoyed clog dancing, even on and past his 90th birthday. He was a published poet, with a poetry column in the Elgin Review and a book titled, “The Prairie Poet.”.
He is survived by his sons: James (Patricia) Miller of Elgin; Richard Miller of Elgin; two granddaughters: Amanda (Blake) Dills of Oklahoma City, OK; Katie Miller of Chicago, IL; brother Lyle Miller of Neligh; twin brother: Gerald “Red” (Lois) Miller of Norfolk; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene in 1996, five brothers: Charles (Mary), Clifford, William (Ethel), Berle (Harriet), and Paul; and two sisters-in-law: Lena Miller and Edna Wilkinson.
