Gary Miller

Gary Miller, 79, Bismarck, died October 22, 2025. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan

God created one-of-a kind cowboy who would have fit right in with Haas on the Pondarosa. Having never owned a smart phone, he was blissfully clueless about the Kardashians, QR codes and selfies. “Old, fat, decrepit”, were his words choice when asked how he was doing. Gary was an opinionated, principle driven Democrat whose heart would melt when his grandkids came around.

Growing up in Turtle Lake, he ran hurdles – but only one time. After recovering from road rash and a bruised ego, he continued to run track and excelled in basketball before graduating from Turtle Lake High School in 1964. Gary shared a lifelong, close bond with his siblings. Whether it was trading jokes, lending a hand, or gathering around a table to reminisce, his brothers and sister were an anchor throughout his life. They shared a mischievous humor, deep loyalty, and a love that carried through every season. College wasn’t his jam, so he chose a path with the Signal Corps and served in Vietnam. Upon returning stateside, his life was colored pink with the arrival of two daughters, Sonja and Stacy. As he was calling in for telephone service, he was helped by Patricia, who he somehow managed to convince to marry him. For 33 years she put up with his love of mini vans, shag carpet, and was deemed a saint by their friends and family. Together they welcomed his third daughter, Breanna. On their property near Baldwin, his days were filled with swearing at broken machinery, running after a freedom bound mare, or tackling the larger projects like his never-ending pole barn. Gary chose to spend his time outdoors, in the fields, and on the backroads where he felt most comfortable.

Throughout the years, Gary served his community in a variety of careers. He was employed with Capital Electric Co-op, Finley Engineering, and Cenex. He added a plot twist and chose to return to school to obtain his Nursing License. Gary worked as a nurse at the State Penitentiary, MedCenter One, and West Central Human Services.

Gary was a man who can be summed up by his fondness for Mary Robbins, Polka Party Sundays, and the Prairie Public Channel. Not one to allow the news anchors to outwit him, he had a constant eye on politics and would brief anyone within a 20-foot radius on daily events. He was a collector of obscure political news which often led to zingers in conversations, much to the dismay of his daughters. His gift of gab was legendary, embarrassing to some, and downright hilarious to others. Folks have dressed up as him for Halloween as he’s a guy who can enter a costume shop and come out with an outfit ready for Friday night. He lived his life in a uniform with his signature look of pearlized western snap shirts, polyester pants, topped by the signature frisbee hairstyle, which even earned him the “Golden Comb” award.

Most recently, Gary faced medical challenges that prevented him from enjoying the quarter horses he shared with his longtime companion Becky Hermanson. Throughout the years, they have been a source of enjoyment, frustration and pride. He poured countless hours into this passion and sent his prized bloodline all over the United States. His caregivers, friends, and family surrounded him with love and laugher to the end. Though his body grew tired, his spirit remained strong. Taking a cue from his favorite ND host, Lawrence Welk, Gary said his farewell: ‘Goodnight, until we meet again.’

Please wear your best western attire and join us in celebrating Gary’s life.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Breanna (Lance), Stacy (Brent) and Sonja; lifelong companion, Becky Hermanson, grandchildren, Tyson, Haylee, Aubrie, Scott, Collin, Travis, Lauryn, Elizabeth, Amber, and great grandchild, Mikka, 1 sister, Sharon Kornack, 2 brothers, Morris (Eileen) Miller, and Curtis (Judy) Miller. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Esther Miller, brother, Marvin Miller, wife, Patricia, and brother-in-law, Roger Kornack.