Clarence "Top" Miller

Clarence "Top" William Miller, 91, of Red Wing, died Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Lake City Nursing Home in Lake City, Minnesota. He was born November 27, 1918 to Edward and Anna (Huneke) Miller. He attended schools in Red Wing. He worked for LaGrange Shoe Co.mpany, Riedell Shoe Company, drove school bus for Lee Line, and milk truck for Sargent's. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from February 18, 1941 to November 16, 1945, stationed in New Guinea, Hawaii, and the Philippines. He worked for NSP as a meter reader for 35 1/2 years, retiring in April of 1982. He married Doris Betterley on May 14, 1947. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he also served as an usher. He was a member of the Leo C. Peterson Post #54 American Legion, serving on the firing squad for 31 years, the Burnson-Lillyblad VFW #1218, the Knights of Columbus, Redmen Club, and also transported blood for the American Red Cross. He called Bingo for the Knights of Columbus and the VFW, and fried fish for the Elks and VFW. He was also a member of Wildlife League and the NRA. For many years he helped with the fireworks display at Colvill Park, sponsored by the VFW. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, mowing lawn, and cards. His kids will always remember all of the help he had given them.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; three children, Vern Miller of Red Wing, Arnie (Beverly) Miller of Red Wing, and Dorene Marroquin (Steven Dettling) of Welch; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Wilma Betterley of White Bear Lake, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Annette Miller; brother, Sylvester; brother-in-law Russ Betterley, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Vernon and Dorothy Lemmerhirt.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Milo Ernster officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday with a Legion Prayer Service at 7 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus service at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one for hour before the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Arley Huber, Jack "Pappy" Woods, Jack Edwards, Maurice Alms, John Jansen, Leonard "Boomer" Carlson, Ben Sarazin, Ben Miller, Troy Mechura, G. Peter Gansmoe, Harvey Duffing, Mark Langenfeld and Steven Dettling.