Helen Nastran Miller, 91, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, while residing at the Eagan, Minnesota, home of her daughter, Ginger Kendrick. Her life’s purpose was to glorify God through her unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be remembered for her constant love and prayers for family and friends.
Helen was born on April 29, 1924, in Waukegan, Illinois, to John and Mabel Nastran. She was the oldest of four children; her brothers, Jack and Henry, and her sister, Mary (all deceased). She married James G. Miller Jr. on Nov. 20, 1948. Married for more than 50 years, Helen and Jim raised their two dear children, James and Ginger, while living in Lake Villa, Illinois, and then Shawano.
In addition to their own children, Helen and Jim touched the lives of 612 foster children over a period of 22 years, first as a group home for Menominee County and then as a shelter care/receiving home for Shawano County. After the couple’s retirement in 1990, they eventually ended up in Minnesota. After Helen lost her beloved husband, Jim, May 4, 1999, she moved in with her daughter, Ginger, and her family.
Until quite recently Helen babysat grandkids, participated in household chores and joyfully ran the kitchen.
Her surviving family members include two children and spouses, James and Susan Miller, Ginger and Tim Kendrick; grandmother to five, Kaelee Kail (Zach), Seth Kendrick, Becca Sommerlot (Kendall), Kristen Miller, Corrine Miller; great-grandmother to five, Jeremy, Jacob, Autumn, Jasmine, Caelan; and a parent figure to Tom and Kathleen, whom Helen raised as if her own.
The family is deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers and support that has come our way. Pastor Mark Matychuk oversaw a graveside ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, where Helen’s ashes were be placed next to her husband James.
Memorial gifts may be made to Northern Grace Youth Camp, 14390 County Road VV, Gillett, WI 54124 (888-999-6492, www.northerngraceyouthcamp.org).
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