G. Miller

G. Dean Miller, a longtime resident of Stillwater, passed away on March 31st at the age of 91. Dean Miller was a dedicated husband and father who was married for over 69 years to Doreen.

Born in Van Wert, Ohio, Dean's Depression-era childhood instilled a determination to accomplish much during his lifetime. One of his favorite quotes was by Socrates, "An unexamined life is not worth living."

He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force. Dean earned degrees from the University of Missouri and a doctor's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Dakota.

He began his career as a social worker at the Missouri Training School for delinquent boys. He then became a teacher-counselor at Boys Town of Missouri, a newly formed residential institution for emotionally disturbed and delinquent boys. Later while there, he served as a social worker and finally Assistant Superintendent.

He moved to Minnesota, where he organized the first guidance and counseling program for the Nashwauk and Keewatin School System.

During the last 25 years of his career, he served as consultant in Guidance and Counseling with the Minnesota Department of Education. As a counseling psychologist, his main interest was in improving school counseling programs through research. He was also responsible for converting a statewide career information system to microcomputers for Minnesota schools.

He was a member of several professional organizations: American Counseling Association, School Counselors Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the National Vocational Guidance Association. In these roles, he was invited to write the national role statement (1981) for school counselors, served on an editorial board, was chairman of a publications committee, and was a Trustee for one of the organizations. He edited numerous state guidance and counseling publications and published several research studies involving counselors serving in alternative roles.

Dean was also active in serving the city of Stillwater, including participation on the Planning Commission and the Heritage Preservation Commission. He was an advocate for the development of walking paths in the city's ravines.

As a member of Stillwater's First United Methodist Church, he enjoyed a variety of roles - chair of administrative committee; chair of stain glass windows committee (along with publication of a related stain glass window brochure); Sunday School Superintendent and teacher; chair of Visual Arts Committee and lay speaker. For many years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota United Methodist Foundation. He was also Scoutmaster for Troop 98.

His many interests included art, music, theater, literature, and philosophy. With Doreen, he was a regular patron at the Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Northrop Auditorium's dance series, Minnesota Symphony and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra among other organizations.

He also enjoyed house remodeling, gardening, furniture refinishing and travel, taking several memorable trips with family members around the U.S. and abroad to the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia and China.

After retirement, he transformed his yard into an extensive garden featuring many varieties of hostas and enjoyed watching the birds that flocked to his feeders.

He continued to follow current events avidly and supported a variety of non-profit humanitarian causes. Dean never lost his curiosity and his desire to learn. He appreciated hearing each person's story, and sharing good humor with others.

Dean lived with Doreen in their Stillwater home for over 50 years; he loved his family, friends, neighbors, and community. He will be deeply missed.

Dean is survived by his wife, Doreen; daughter, Kristine Miller Helm (Charles); son, Gregory Miller (Candice); granddaughter, Katherine Miller; nephew, Jeffrey Lindemann (Kay); and niece, Debra Sotzing (Kent). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Treva (Miller) Lindemann; brother, Jack B. Miller; nephews, Dean C. Miller and Robert Lindemann; and niece, Diane Winfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in G. Dean Miller's name to Friends of Stillwater Parks, P.O. Box 822, Stillwater, MN 55082.