Howard “Howie” Clifford Miller, 82, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024 in the presence of many family members and a dear friend.

Howard was born the youngest of three children to Flora (Casemore) and Floyd Miller on June 21, 1942. He grew up in a dairy farming family in the Clearwater/Annandale area and was very mechanically inclined. He graduated from the Dunwoody Institute and was a welder by trade.

In 1968 Howard met his wife, Joyce Slagle, in Virginia, MN. They married on December 28, 1968. They had two children, daughters Kelly and Darcy. The family home is in Mountain Iron, MN.

Howard retired in 2004 after many years in the rock crushing profession, primarily as the foreman. He had a passion for helping people, innovation, and improving every situation. His hobbies included snowmobiling, hunting, card playing, metal work, and shuffleboard.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his parents Flora and Floyd; his sister Marie, and brother Donald. He is survived by his daughters Kelly (Dave) Dow and Darcy (Eric Lindgren) Hoops; grandchildren Courtney (Shane), Riley, Haley, Dane, Lexi, and Max; and great grandchildren Quinn, Wyatt, and Rhett.

Howard’s last selfless act was donating his body to the University of Minnesota’s Anatomy Bequest Program.

A Celebration of Life is planned for November 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service at 11:00 a.m. at the Atkins-Northland Funeral Home; 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN. Lunch will be served.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mayo Clinic on behalf of Howard and Joyce Miller.