Marian A. Miller

Marian A. Miller, age 96, formerly of Brocket, ND, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at CHI St. Alexius Health in Devils Lake, ND.

Marian Alvina Pederson was born December 19, 1924, the daughter of John and Anna (Mikkelson) Pederson.  She was born and raised on the family farm, north of Lakota, ND.  She graduated from Lakota High School in 1942, then attended Mayville State Teachers College.  She went on to teach in one-room schools in rural Petersburg, Tolna, and Cleveland Consolidated School near Brocket.  Marian married James W. Miller on August 27, 1947.  They made Brocket their home, owning and operating Miller Hardware.  They then opened a café and bar in Brocket.  They left the business for a time to operate the Dairy Queen at Lakota.  They then lived and worked in Grand Forks, before returning to Brocket in 1962 to re-open the café and bar.  Around 1967 they closed the café and devoted their time to “Miller’s Bar”.  James passed away September 26, 2015.  Marian continued living in Brocket and was still seen behind the bar, retiring at age 90.  She spent her past few years living at Prairie Rose in Lakota, and then with her youngest daughter and family at their home on Devils Lake.  Besides being a heck of a bartender, Marian was also an excellent cook and baker, known especially for her homemade buns and doughnuts.  She also sold Avon products for over 60 years.  Marian was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary at Brocket.  She was a “people person” and was a friend that welcomed and embraced all.  Most importantly, Marian was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; and since she was also known as “Ma” or “Mother Marian” to others, she will be greatly missed by many!

“A mother teaches you everything, except how to live without her!”

Survivors include her children, Alan (LaVerne) Miller of Brocket, Randy (Lisa) Miller and Lori (Bruce) Anderson all of Lakota, and Shari (Mark) Gisvold of Warwick; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; her brother, Norman (Susie) Pederson of Lakota; and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Allen Kleven; 4 brothers, Perry, Calmar, Joseph, and Erling Pederson; and a sister, Helen Bolstad.

The Funeral Service for Marian will be held at Lakota Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Hoff Cemetery, rural Brocket.  Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Monday, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Tuesday, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

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