Raymond Paul Miller of Mora, MN, died on Wednesday February 21, 2018 at the age of 88.

Raymond Paul Miller was born October 20, 1929, the first son of Arnold and Alice (Roy) Miller. He grew up on the family farm outside of Red Lake Falls.   Ray and his five siblings attended St. Joseph Grade School and he graduated from Lafayette High School in 1948.  From his earliest days, the children learned it was their strong duty to attend Mass every Sunday and receive the sacraments regularly. His family instilled in him a sense of faith and duty to God and family that never left him. He credited his parents and the sisters of St. Joseph's for his lifelong commitment to God, Church and family.

After high school, Ray worked a number of jobs including apprentice tool and die maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and construction with the Roy Brothers in Red Lake Falls.

Ray married the love of his life Elaine Audette on August 24, 1950 at St. Peter's Church in Gentilly, MN. Elaine was the youngest of six children born to Paul and Delima Audette of Gentilly. To the union of Ray and Elaine ten children were born. The first, Barbara, was born on June 1, 1951 in Long Beach, CA. The young family had moved to California in search of opportunity. However, loneliness prompted the family to move back to Red Lake Falls in May, 1952.  One month later their first son, Gordon, was born. During the next fifteen years, eight more children were born, culminating in the birth of Joseph on April 3, 1967.

Ray's life was centered around family, work and church. He worked many different jobs. The family moved to Centerville in 1963 so Ray could be closer to work. In 1970, the family bought a house in Anoka and the children attended St. Stephen's School and later Anoka High School. Meanwhile, Ray was working for the Brunswick Corporation. In 1975 he went into business for himself opening Bowling Trades. He specialized in building and maintaining bowling alleys throughout the Midwest United States.

Ray retired in 1992. Prompted by an interest in the history of his family, Ray embarked a passion that would remain until he died. His interest in Genealogy enabled him to amass over 60,000 names in one large file. He was able to trace his and Elaine's ancestral lines back to the point of entry into the New World.

Ray is survived by his wife Elaine of 67 years., children Barbara Crawford (Roger) Mora, MN., Gordon (Betty) Miller, Anoka, MN., Tom (Kathy) Miller, Roseville, MN., Pam Sommer (Darrell Atnip) San Antonio, TX., Bob (Cindy) Miller, Blaine, MN., Greg (Diane) Miller, Coon Rapids, MN., Laurie Perrin, New Hope, MN., Gerry (Bridget) Miller, Andover, MN., Mary Breault, Mora, MN., and Joe (Beth) Miller., Ramsey, MN; 30 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters Bernard (Iris) Georgetown, TX; Helen Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Leona Hofius, life long resident of Red Lake Falls, MN (currently living in St. Cloud); sister-in-law Carol Miller, West Dundee, Ill., along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Arnold and Alice, brother Vernon, sister Shirley, brothers-in laws Vincent Schmitz, Ray Andrews, Dalton Hofius, son-in-law Bruce Sommer and nephew Tim Schmitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pro-Life movement such as the Life Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN., or a memorial of your choice.

Johnson Funeral Service

Thief River Falls, MN