Rolf Hild Miller, 64, Minot, formerly of Gallup, New Mexico, died Saturday, May 8, 2010, in his home.

Rolf was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Clayton and Helen (Hild) Miller. He attended St. Paul's High School and College in Concordia, MO, finishing his bachelor's degree in Education and History at Concordia College River Forest. He also earned his Master's Education there.

He married Shirley Vaksvik on August 5, 1972. He taught high school history for 3 years before going to work for the US Navy in the Chicago area. He had a long and storied career with the federal government working in the Forest Service in Park Falls, WI, where his oldest daughter Pamela was born, the Black Hills in Custer, SD, where his daughter Amy was born, the Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, IL, and the Army Recruiting Command also in Peoria.

He sold insurance and mutual funds for AAL, now Thrivent for Lutherans for eight years before returning to the Federal Government with eh Navy in the Chicago area while his family relocated to Elkhart, IN for a year. He later took a job with the Indian Health Service in Window Rock, AZ and moved the family to Gallup, NM in 1990. In 1998, daughter, Gretchen, then 18 years old, joined the family through adoption. Rolf had 15 years with IHS with an 18 month jaunt to the National Park Service in Bryce Canyon, Utah in 2001. He returned to IHS in 2002 and retired in 2008.

In retirement, he spent time traveling and enjoying his wide circle of friends and family and when well enough, substitute teaching in Gallup schools.

Rolf was a Past President of the Gallup Lions Club and a proud member of the Gallup Shooters. He was a great lover of conversation, literature, firearms and dogs. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Surviving family includes: Loving wife of 37 years, Shirley Miller, Minot; Daughters, Pamela (MSgt. Michael) Carswell, Minot, ND, Gretchen DuBoise (TSgt. Raymond DuBoise), Mackenbach, Germany and Amy (Michael) Baldonado, Gallup, NM; Grandchildren: Ashleigh DuBoise, Lydia Carswell, Katherine Baldonado, Deklan DuBoise, Owen Carswell, Sean Baldonado, Kyleigh DuBoise and Sylvia Carswell; Sister, Vyonne Scheiwe, Glen Ellen, IL and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Rolf was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Helen Miller.

Funeral service: Friday, May 14, 2010, at 4:00 p.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, May 13, 2010, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or to a local hospice organization of the donor's choice.