Paul Miller

Paul Wayne Miller was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was born on August 8, 1968 in Greenbush to Walter and Adell (Nelson) Miller. From the time he was little, Paul lived his life as an outgoing, confident and caring person who had a natural ability to make lighthearted fun out of everything.

Paul was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Bethel Lutheran Church and enjoyed youth group trips to the north shore. He attended school in Greenbush where he graduated in 1986. While in school, Paul enjoyed spending time on the wrestling team, as well as making many friends, several of which turned into lifelong friendships. Following high school, Paul attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston for 2 years where he focused his courses in animal science. He then returned to Greenbush where he worked on the family dairy farm. Understandably, growing up on a 3rd generation dairy farm, Paul had a passion for working with cattle, in particular the calving process. Paul moved to Eau Clair, WI in 1997 where he was employed at the A.C.T. paper mill for 3 years where he worked with many products, but most enjoyed working on 3M test products. In 2000, Paul moved back to Greenbush where he went to work for Central Boiler and worked his way up to leading the machine shop. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and loved having conversations about laser machines whenever given the opportunity. He continued to work at Central Boiler for 16 years until he was forced into retirement due to illness.

Paul was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Greenbush and a past member of the Oakview Golf club, playing league with his brother-in-law Charlie. Paul was well known for being an extremely avid and gifted pool player. He competed in and often won many local and regional tournaments. Countless hours were spent in local pool halls, teaching others how to play and showing off his favorite trick shots all while having fun doing what he did best-goofing off while in the company of others. Paul was also active riding snowmobiles, ATVs and enjoyed fishing for walleye with his friends. Paul very proudly spent many hours representing Central Boiler at every parade in the northwest Minnesota parade schedule, driving the custom built mini semi-truck for many years.

Paul continued to make his home in Greenbush until his peaceful passing at LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau on January 28, 2020 at the age of 51 years, 5 months and 20 days. Paul's sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by his family and all who knew him. He was one-of-a-kind and touched the lives of many.

Funeral services were held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Greenbush with Pastor Janelle Hennager presiding. Linda Sovde was the Organist, playing the congregational hymns “We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus” and “You are Mine”. Sarah Abelsen and Jeremiah Pope were the Readers and Paul’s Casket Bearers were Clay Sorteberg, Mark Reese, Neill Novacek, Mike Burkel, James Wicklund and Brad Penas. Ushers for the service were Ben Reese and Jon Westling. Visitation was held after 6PM, Monday, at the church with a prayer service at 7PM. Visitation was also held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment services were held at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery following services with fellowship following at the church.

Paul is survived by his mother Adell of Greenbush, his sisters Elaine (Charlie) Kapphahn and Carolyn (Daniel) Schindler, brother Mark (Carla) Miller all of Greenbush, nieces and nephews: Rhonda (Jared) Graetz of Fargo, Sarah (Mark) Abelsen of Chanhasson, MN, Rachel Kapphahn of Fargo, ND, Jordan (Kristi) Kapphahn of Wannaska, Stephanie Schindler of Fargo, Eric Schindler of Greenbush, great nieces and nephews James, Jeremiah, Samuel, Eleanor, Blake, Jaxon, Madelyn, Finn, Walter and Thorin. He is also survived by his uncle Verne (Karen) Nelson of Strathcona, aunts Doris Wicklund of Greenbush, Lillian Kriko of WA, Dorothy Minske of Pengilly, MN, Lenay (Jerry) Van Horn of Superior, WI, Jeanne (Pat) Collins of Karlstad, as well as numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father Walter in 2003, maternal grandparents Conrad and Sigri Nelson, paternal grandparents John and Pearl Miller, aunts and uncles Leona (Norman) Good, Myron (Carol), Ernest (Alice) and Donald Miller, Al Kriko, Clare Minske and Don Wicklund.

Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush. An online guest book is available at www.collinsfunerals.com.