Karen Miller

Karen Miller, died peacefully in her home on August 12, 2026, at the age of 83, in Rochester, MN. Born on August 31, 1942, in Faribault, Minnesota, Karen was the daughter of Emmit and Ester St. Martin and the 11th of 13 siblings.

As a teenager, she moved to St. Charles, Minnesota, when her mother purchased a nursing home, and it was there that she attended St. Charles High School. On February 26, 1959, she married her best friend, Jon Edward Miller, in St. Charles, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful life, living in St. Charles, Dover, Plainview, and finally, Rochester for the last 30 years.

For nearly 50 years, Karen ran a loving in-home daycare, nurturing countless children and creating a home filled with warmth. She was the definition of a devoted wife and a caring mother, always busy raising her family while also finding joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed doing puzzles, gardening, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Karen had a knack for making everything brighter, and she was known for her gentle nature and her rare inclination to swear.

In addition to being the best grandma, her heart was big enough to extend care and kindness to everyone around her. She loved going to Goodwill with her granddaughters, enjoying camping trips, and horseback riding. Her early years together with Jon were filled with laughter and adventures, snowmobiling, and playing a round of golf together.

Karen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jon Miller; children, Jon S. (Beverly) Miller, David Miller, James (Leanne) Miller; grandchildren, Emily (Marcus), and their daughter, Kinleigh; Allison (Christian), Lauren, David Jr., Andrew, Steven; several great-grandchildren; and brother, Phil St. Martin.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmit and Ester St. Martin; 11 Siblings; and grandson, Michael Miller.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN at 12pm. Visitation will begin at 11am. Inurnment will take place at Worth Cemetery in Utica, MN.