ROY CALVIN MILLER

Roy Calvin Miller, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 at the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Mn.
Roy was born Oct. 23, 1928 in International Falls, Mn. to Chris Miller and Julia (Skhal) Miller.
He attended school in Big Falls and Littlefork, Mn., quitting school in the 10th grade to work at Gene Vessey’s Sawmill. He entered the U.S. Army in 1948 and was honourably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1952 at a rank of staff sergeant.
On July 29, 1952, he met his life’s partner and the love of his life, Carol Torgerson, and they married on Oct, 2, 1954.
After a honeymoon in Seattle, Wash., they returned to International Falls and purchased the Cities Service Station with Morris Stenberg. Roy became the sole owner the following year and would spend the next 32 years as the owner of Miller Oil Company.
In 1986, he sold the station to Jerry Carlson and Doug Springsteel, and the bulk oil business to Roche Oil.
After retiring, he worked for a couple of years part-time as a substitute custodian for School District 361. He then worked for Einarson Bros. Flying Service as a handyman until he suffered a stroke in January, 2007.
He was a member of the American Legion, a charter member of the International Falls Jaycees, and a lifetime member of the Benevolent Order of Elks.
Roy loved travelling with his family, tinkering in his garage, fishing, snow plowing, and spending time with his family and friends at his “Torgersonville” cabin at Waskish, Mn. on Red Lake.
As a younger man, he learned how to pilot small planes from Jim Einarson and Francis Einarson, and enjoyed taking his family up on Sunday afternoons.
He was predeceased by his parents, Chris Miller and Julia Tofte; stepfather, Herbert Tofte; daughter, Theresa Rose; sister, Joanne Tofte; sisters-in-law, Rose Miller and Norma Hall; brothers-in-law, Ray Tucker and Chuck Greenlee; and parents-in-law, Burnette and Hank Torgerson.
Roy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol; daughter, Shelley (Lanny) Johnson; son, Mark Miller; and granddaughter, Breezy (Brandon) Peterson.
Also surviving are his brothers, Harold Miller and Earl (Barb) Miller; sister, Carol Tucker; sisters-in-law, Audrey (Hank) Urban, Hilda Greenlee, and Wendy (Phil) Hopfner; brothers-in-law, Jim (Linda Loveless) Torgerson and Clair (Alyce Cassibo) Hall; his special son, Kevin Scholler; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Also surviving are his special caregivers, Carmen Mattsen and Jeremy Faith.
There will be no funeral service.
A luncheon to celebrate Roy’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 from 2-5 p.m. at the Elks Club in International Falls.
A graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer in memoriam donations to the Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered www.ceasefuneralhome.com