MISSOULA - Frederick James "Fred" Miller, 86, of Missoula passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Friday, March 6, 2009, at Bee Hive Homes. Granddaughter Dede Ferguson, his “special nurse,” was at his side.

He was born on August. 8, 1922, in Sheridan, Wyo., to George Miller and Eva Barnett Miller, who were Russian-German immigrants. He was raised in the Sheridan area, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1940.

Fred was a good dancer. At the local dance hall, a girl leaned out the window and kissed him. He married that girl named Evangeline “Vangie” Koth. They eloped to Hardin and married on October. 15, 1942. To that union were born a daughter, Dona J. Ferguson of Missoula, and a son, Dr. Frederick J. Miller of Cary, N.C. They were married 65 years at the time of her death on December. 10, 2007

The couple ranched, moving into Sheridan in 1947. Fred worked for Valley Motor as an International Harvester service technician, having trained at the International Harvester school in Fort Wayne, Ind. He later took a job with the school district as head custodian at Coffeen grade school. Each year he gave pencils to the new classes of first graders. He received a community award as “Friend to Education” for his special efforts with children.

Fred was baptized and confirmed into Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan. His church home was First Lutheran Church since moving to Missoula in October 2001. He was proud to have three generations of baptized Lutheran heirs.

Fred grew a beautiful “veggie” garden. He took great pride in caring for his home n always fixing and painting. An excellent carpenter, Fred built his own home and frequently used his skills to assist the Sheridan community. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son and grandsons. He especially liked to hunt deer and elk with his son and with his best friend Elton Robinson. Fred’s love of fishing nearly cost him his life in 1990. After fishing in the Big Horn Mountains, Fred, son Frederick and grandson Ross were hit by a drunk driver pulling a large horse trailer.

He was preceded in death by his wife Vangie; sister-in-law Beverly Hagemann; brother-in-law Leonard Hagemann; daughter-in-law Lana Nicholson Miler; mother, father, brothers Vick, Bob and Ed and sisters Milli, Erma, Emma, Gena and Lydia.

His surviving family are daughter Dona J. Ferguson and husband Darold, granddaughter Dede Ferguson, grandson Douglas Ferguson and wife Laurie; grandson Darin Ferguson and wife Cheri, great-grandsons Tanner and Austin Ferguson all of Missoula. His son, Dr. Frederick J. Miller and wife Karen of Cary, N.C.; grandson Todd Miller and wife Kenne and great-granddaughters Kate and Allie Miller of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandson Ross Miller and wife Christina and great-grandson Lincoln Miller of Holly Springs, N.C.; granddaughter Dr. Darcie Miller and fiancee Stanley Polson of Memphis, Tenn.; niece Linda Hagemann of Woodinville, Wash., and many nieces and nephews of Miller descent. Special friends Bill, Jody and Jacob Clothier of Sheridan, Wyo.

Memorials can be made to First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Ave. W., Missoula, MT 59804

A memorial service will be held Thursday afternoon March 12 at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Renfro presiding.

Cremation has taken place.

A reception will follow the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.

The Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies is assisting the family.

The Missoulian - Mar. 8, 2009.