Miles Robert Summers

HOUSTON, MINN. - Miles Robert (Pete) Summers, 93, of Houston, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Valley View Nursing Home in Houston. Miles was the son of John L. and Laura (McLeod) Summers. He was born in Money Creek on March 22, 1910. He married Nellie Flatten on February 22, 1933. Miles was a leader of his church, town and county of Houston, as well as the state of Minnesota, Miles served on the church council, was mayor of Houston, Houston County Commissioner for 24 years, and director of the Houston State Bank for 25 years. He was appointed to several regional and state committees as well. Miles owned and operated a dairy farm in Money Creek for several years and started a dairy business, processing milk and delivering door-to-door. After selling the Houston dairy, he purchased the Rowland Bros. Hardware Store in Houston and managed it many years. In addition, Miles purchased farmland between Houston and Hokah, Minn., and with the help of his business partners, built the Valley View Golf Course and developed the surrounding land for residences. He also developed land along the Mississippi River in Brownsville, Minn. and established the Summers addition to the town of Houston. Miles was a progressive leader who saw the future need for Houston to have a nursing home and was responsible for securing funding for building the Valley View Nursing Home. He served on the Board of Directors of the Home for many years. Survivors include his wife, Nellie, two daughters: Gloria (Earl) Patterson of LaCrosse, Wis. and Bonnie (Carrell) Foss of Fargo, ND; a son, Jon L. (Eileen) Summers of Afghanistan; eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jay (Ruth) Summers of Rushford, Minn.; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents; four sisters: Pearl (Herb) Kleya, Francis (Joseph) Rudnick, Florence (William) Ryan, and Grace (Jack) Dordel; one brother, Melvin (Julia) Summers; one grandson, Jeffrey Foss; two great grandsons: Jesse Foss and Mitchell Rhoads; and two great-granddaughters: Hannah and Morgan Foss. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Louise Stromberg officiating. Burial will be in the Money Creek Cemetery in Money Creek, Minn. Friends may call from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Money Creek Methodist Church or the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston. Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.