Louise Miller

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, March 19, 2022
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 88

Louise Mae Mehlbrech was born April 20, 1933, near Canistota, South Dakota to George and Mary (Wingert) Mehlbrech. She attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Salem.

Louise was united in marriage to Henry “Hank” Miller on June 20, 1950, and they made their home in the Salem area. She worked as a homemaker during this time.

In 1965 the couple moved with their nine children to Philip, South Dakota where their tenth one was born. Louise worked at the Midway Café and the Senechal Café as a cook for many years. She then decided to work for herself and managed the Sale Barn Café. Louise had built in help with her daughters, and she continued to manage the café for many years. Louise said that one week she made 54 pies, and that was her all-time record.

She was a fabulous cook, and you could not beat her pies, buns, or baked beans. Due to declining health she moved to the Senechal Apartments in March of 2012. Louise volunteered for the senior meals program and the Bad River Senior Citizens Center. She enjoyed her time at the Senechal and enjoyed having coffee with her friends, playing cards with them, and looking out for one another.

Louise liked hunting and fishing with Hank. She had her own pole and gun. Louise would then come home and process what they bagged that day and cooked it up for everybody there. Her eyes would light up if you mentioned pheasant or walleyes as those where her favorites.

Survivors include one son Mike Miller and his wife Debbie of Philip; four daughters Linda Stotts and her husband Carl of Missoula, Montana, Rene Konst of Philip, Mary Lee of Rapid City, and Donna Kroetch and her husband Brad of Rockledge, Florida; 24 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister Mildred Johnson of Watertown; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Henry W. “Hank” Miller on November 5, 2001; five children Leonard Miller, Joan Miller, Nancy Roehler, Karen Williams, and Vicky Dale; her parents; four brothers Aruthur Mehlbrech, Orville Mehlbrech, Harold Mechbrech and Irwin Mehlbrech; and four sisters Mary Katherine Novak, Bernice Finnegan, Dorothy Jenneman, and Ethel Bartling.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Service Details

VISITATION
Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, March 25, 2022 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Gary Oreshoski
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Shelby Hanson - Vocalist
Congregational Hymns
“On Eagles Wings” #437 - “Immaculate Mary” #201
“I Am The Bread of Life” #326 - “Song of Farewell” #686
Special Music - “I Can Only Imagine”

USHERS
James Gyles - Joe Prouty

LECTOR
Rita O’Connell

ALTAR SERVERS

PALLBEARERS
Bill Konst - Tracy Konst - Christopher Kroetch
Ryan Kroetch - Charlie Dale - Mike Miller

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Louise’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Many fond memories when we lived next to the Millers. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
   ~ Karen (Fonseca) Paez NE (3/22/2022)
Our deepest sympathies to all of Louise's family. She was a grand lady and it was a joy to know her and her family through the years. May God hold you all very close as you walk through this sad time.
   ~ Rebecca Essen Philip SD (3/23/2022)
My friend, the "no coffee coffee" joke we shared.
   ~ Patricia A Ireland Martin / Philip SD (3/22/2022)
SD
   ~ Esther Oldenberg Philip (3/24/2022)
Thinking of you as you celebrate your Mom's life and work. So sorry for your loss.
   ~ Rosanne (Kiel) Brown Fairborn, OH (3/22/2022)
So sorry to learn of Louise's passing. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead.
   ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (3/30/2022)
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
   ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis (3/22/2022)
So sorry for your loss.
   ~ Ann Cvach Midland (3/22/2022)
We are thinking of you folks during this hard time. Hold on to all the memories. Louise was in Joann's church group, she was always ready and willing to help out.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (3/21/2022)
Sorry to here about Louise. Thoughts and prayers
   ~ Georgia Moos Philip SD (3/25/2022)
Condolences to the Family.
   ~ Brown Julie Fairmont Nebraska (3/21/2022)
Have wonderful memories of Louise and the Miller family. I remember her as our next-door neighbor and managing the Sale Barn Cafe. She always had a great smile.
   ~ Christina (Fonseca) Graddy 18420 Guildberry Drive, #103 (3/23/2022)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. Prayers for all.
   ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (3/21/2022)
You all have our sympathy and prayers.
   ~ Dee and Kelly Fees SD and Az. (3/22/2022)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! I remember Louise when I would go eat lunch or visit my mom at The Sale Barn Cafe.
   ~ Julie Gittings Neugebauer Rapid City, SD (3/25/2022)
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. Keep those precious memories close.
   ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City SD (3/23/2022)
I will miss you grandma. Rest in peace.
   ~ Claude Dale IV Littleton, CO (3/25/2022)
Sending caring thoughts and prayers your way.
   ~ Debbie Schofield Gillette, Wyoming (3/23/2022)
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you in the loss of your Mother.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (3/21/2022)

Flowers

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Twila & LeRoy Vonnie & Jim Betty & Jim and Families
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Jasper, Sonia, Baeden and Ian Williams
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Family
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The Staff at Scotchman Living Center
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Cradles to Crayons Daycare
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Don & Debbie and the Steakhouse Employees
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Melbrech, Anderson and Gaffer Families
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The Smith Family Washington, DC
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The family of Loretta Ensz Sister of Hank and Sister-In-Law of Louise