Walter Theodore Miller

Obituary

Walter was born to Theodore and Wilhelmina (Ehrke) Miller on September 26, 1920 in Plato, MN.  He was baptized on October 10, 1920 in St. John’s Lutheran Church, Helen Township (rural Plato), by Rev. R. Zwintscher.  Rev. Zwintscher, confirmed him on March 25, 1934, also in St. John’s Church, Plato.  Walter received his elementary education in Plato Public School and St. John’s Parochial School and graduated from Glencoe High School in 1939. 

Upon graduating from high school Walter began working for his Father as a truck driver in the General Store and Egg Business.  He was drafted into the armed forces in September 1942.  He served in the medics as a clerk typist until the summer of 1943.  His rank at that time was Sergeant.  He was then transferred into the Air Force Pilot Cadet Program.  After various phases of Pilot Training he received his “wings” in February 1945 as a twin engine pilot.  He finished transition training on the B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber as a Co-Pilot.  He was then sent to Lincoln, NE, to be in a pilot pool.  He was there when the war ended and was discharged from Lincoln in September, 1945. 

While in Lincoln, he met Ardell Swanson of Ceresco, NE.  On December 21, 1945 they were married in the Evangelical Covenant Church in Ceresco, NE by Rev. Turnquist.

Walter spent several years in Ceresco working for Ardell’s father in the International Harvestor Store.  They then moved to Plato, and with his father and brother-in-law, Randolph Bohlmann, formed the T.F. Miller & Co. Produce. 

Walter and Ardell were blessed with 2 children, Carol Ann (Seifert) and Calvin.

After his father passed away in 1953 and later his brother-in-law retired, Walter operated the Produce Business alone until 1980.  At that time, after a fall, he dissolved the business and worked as a truck driver for several businesses until October of 2000 when he retired at the age of 80. 

Walter enjoyed fishing, yard work, cribbage, crossword puzzles and Bible class.  He was a very active member in his church and served on various boards.  He was a charter member of the Plato American Legion. 

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Ann Seifert of Plainfield, IL, son, Calvin of Plato, 2 grandchildren, Katherine Rodriguez (Sam) of Carpentersville, IL and Scott Seifert (Marissa) of Plainfield, IL, 4 great grandchildren, Kyla and Harper Seifert (Scott & Marissa) and Olivia and Christian Rodriguez (Kate & Sam). 

Preceding Walter in death is his wife, Ardell, parents, three sisters, Lydia Eggersglues, Frieda Bohlmann and Rosina Christenson.