Robert Miller

Bob Miller, age 84, of St. James passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Society in St. James. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James with Rev. Gene Alms officiating. A public Celebration of Life and lunch will be at noon at the Eagle's Club in St. James for friends and family to gather and share memories. Robert Miller Jr Bob' was born December 20, 1936 in Butterfield to parents Robert and Amelia (Bartz). He was the youngest and only son of 5 children. Bob grew up in Butterfield and graduated from Butterfield high school. On March 30, 1957 he was united in marriage to Martha (Marty) Elder. The couple made their home in Butterfield for a couple years before moving to St. James in 1960. Bob worked for the city of St. James Water Department and was Superintendent for 10 of his 34 years there, then retired in 1994. After retiring, he was a courier for St. James Plaindealer for several years. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing softball-both fast pitch and slow pitch, bowling, and later he loved golfing, playing pool, cards, bird watching and reading. He loved being "taxi" for his grandchildren while younger and following their school activities and sports. He loved all sports at every level and always found something to watch all day long and was still very knowledgeable of many past and current athletes. Later in life, he and Marty enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 6, 2021 at Pleasant View-Good Samaritan. He is survived by daughters, Joni Janovsky of Owatonna, Lori (Jake) Terwey of St Joseph; grandchildren, Jackie (Matt) Janovsky, Tyler Janovsky, Jacob Janovsky, Erik Balfe, Robbe (Christy) Nessler, Kacey (Joe) Wojtalewicz, Ryan Nessler, Kelli (Damian) Nessler; great-grandchildren, Cade Kalbow, Peyton Kalbow, Mason Schweitzer, Henry Janovsky, Owen Wojtalewicz, Silas Wojtalewicz, Kari Nessler, Brody Nessler, Harley Maric, and Sawyer Maric; and many nieces and nephews; siblings, Donna Miest of St. James, and Phyllis Haler of St. James; in-laws, Merle Laird of Mankato, Harold (Peggy) Elder of Hutchinson, Mary Garoutte of St Clair, Val Elder of Hutchinson, Charles "Rusty" (Lisa) Elder of Mankato; son-in-law Randy Nessler of Bemidji; and special friends, David Janovsky and Sandy Ilig, Scott and Sue Johnson, and Marcia Paulson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marty; his daughter Kari Nessler; Myles Balfe (Joni's partner); parents, parents in law, Lloyd and Lois Elder; sisters, Lois Ewert, Naomi Kennedy; in laws, James (Spike) Ewert, Jack Kennedy, Bill Miest, Al Haler, Robert Laird, Herman Hardel, Charlotte Hardel, James Garoutte, Linda Elder, Leslie Elder and David Elder. We are so grateful for the wonderful care from the staff at Pleasant View and Hospice, Mayo Clinic's, St. James, Mankato, and Rochester. On Saturday, April 10, there will be a private family service at the Cemetery and a "Celebration of Life" at the Eagles Club in St. James for lunch at noon for all to enjoy and share memories.