Saturday, November 30, 2024

Washburn High School

Class of 1956 - In Memory Of

Burd J. "Bud" Miller

Medford, MN

Burd Joyner Miller, affectionately known as Dad or Grandpa, or just "Bud" died Thursday, January 6th, 2005, at his home in Medford.

Bud was born August 13th, 1938, in Minneapolis, the son of Burd R. and Jessie (Joyner) Miller. Despite constant teasing, Bud took great pride in the fact he was Burd III. A son and grandson now share that distinction as part of their names.

Bud attended different Minneapolis schools and graduated from Washburn High School in 1956. He attended St. Cloud State, the University of Minnesota and Northwest Technical Institute of Mechanical Drafting. Bud was a mechanical design and electrical draftsman on a contract basis for a number of Twin City companies until 1968 when he became a sales representative for Northern Culvert and then All Steel Products of Chaska. It was at that time, he moved with his wife Karen and family to represent his company in southern Minnesota.

As a newcomer to Owatonna, Bud became very involved in the Jaycees, serving on the Board of Directors. Bud also was a past president on the Owatonna Safety Council, and served on the Board of Directors for the Owatonna Gymnastics Club and the Owatonna Youth Hockey Association. His greatest interest involved children and with pride he served as the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge in 1975-76 where he has remained an active member for the past 36 years.

Bud married Anita Rudy June 8, 1985. The couple made their home in Owatonna prior to moving to Medford. For the past 16 years, Bud included his wife in his service to the Elk's Organization. They have enjoyed traveling every summer attending the state and national Elks Convention as a chairman of the Minnesota Memorial Ring Committee.

In more recent years, Bud started his own advertising specialties business in downtown Owatonna known as Selective Advertising Specialties. In March 2004, he sold his business to Treadway Graphics of Faribault but continued to work as an independent representative. He always described himself as a "customer's man, like my dad."

Bud is survived by his wife Anita; sons Brian (Amy) Miller of Souix Falls, S.D. and Scott (Angie) Miller of Owatonna; adopted daughter Nicole (Jeff) Martineau of Connecticut. Staying true to Bud's favorite saying, "a boy on ice is seldom in hot water," grandsons Steven, Brandon, and Nathan are all hockey players, while granddaughters Devin and Camryn just like to sit on Grandpa's lap and read books.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Michaelson Funeral Homein Owatonna. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the Elk's Youth Camp or Donor's Choice.

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