Michael Miller

Dates

Obituary

Michael J. Miller, 67, of Woonsocket, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his home under hospice care. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Michael Joseph John Miller has left his earthly farm to farm in the heavens. He was a farmer in every way. The passion he had for farming began at a young age. There was really nothing else he ever wanted to do, and he excelled at being a steward of the land. Mike belonged here at three miles east of Woonsocket. It was his home for 67 years, and it was his happy place. He spent many great hours in the shop with his dad, Joe Miller, learning and gathering all the knowledge it took to repair, build, and overhaul equipment to keep the farm operating.  His dad was his greatest teacher and role model. The shop is the most treasured building on the farm. Mike liked the farm to be always in top-notch condition. No machinery or vehicle ever sat outside. His biggest pet peeve was weeds in his field and around the yard.

As a man, he was kind, compassionate, gentle, and loving. He held a wealth of knowledge inside his head. If you listened, really listened, you could learn a lot from his quiet demeanor.  Mike had a wonderful woman as a mother, her name was Marie. He often talked about her and how he helped her set up wedding cakes she had baked for weddings. You can tell what kind of mother she was by looking at Mike.          

Mike was a lover of hugs, his dog Dukey, Chevrolets, Case IH tractors, racing, motors, collector of vehicles (buying and selling), a good prime rib, ice cream, coffee with his buddies, and always ready for a road trip. It was always amazing how he knew what vehicle everyone drove in Sanborn County!

Later in life, he became a husband to Perianne, a dad to Katee (Craig), Karisa (Neal), Papa to Tenley, Torree, Tripp, Kapri, and Hasten, and son-in-law to Marlin and Jeanette. He is also survived by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Mike enjoyed the many activities to attend as being a dad and Papa. He enjoyed the many weekly gatherings at the farm, which always included good food, laughter, and conversations, and an occasional scooter ride with the grandkids on their bikes. If you look closely when you pass the farm, you would see Mike on a red tractor working his fields or fixing a piece of machinery in front of his shop or driving “ole blue” to Woonsocket, never speeding and always waving. If you missed any part of this man’s life, you missed a lot. His family will miss him forever, but feel his guidance, presence, and love all around us.

We will continue to gather at the farm with laughter, conversation, and good food.  We will honor him by choosing peace and quietness and having “just another day”. It brings comfort in knowing that a person’s last breath on earth is followed by the next breath being taken in heaven. He will forever be our Papa.