Donald Miller

Donald Carleton Miller was born February 24, 1923 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Allison Raymond Miller and Mary Frances (Hardy) Miller. He was raised in Sioux City, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morningside College, and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. He was a member of the US Coast Guard, serving 34 months during World War II. Don and Marion Ida Kegley were married on November 30, 1941. His career in banking began in 1949 with the Norwest Bank Corporation as a bank examiner folowed by eight years with the First National Bank of Fargo as assistant cashier, three years as vice president with the Grafton National Bank before moving to Grand Forks. In 1963 Don was elected President of Community National Bank of Grand Forks and promoted to Chairman and Chief executive officer in 1984. Don formerly served as chairman of the Long Range Task Force Committee of the North Dakota Baker's association and President of the North Dakota Independent Banker's association. He retired September 30, 1989. Don was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church where he has served on the finance committee, administrative board and treasurer of the Wesley United Methodist Church Endowment Foundation. He has served as Lay Leader, Chairman of the Methodist Men's Club. He was the head usher at the first servcies adn was chairman of the memorial committee. He held a special place in his heart for the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an institutional representative for a troop and has been Vice President and Treasurer of the Lake Agassiz Council. Don was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1969. Don was actively involved with the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce serving on the Public Relations Committee and the Executive Building Committee, and as Vice President, and Director. He was active in the Southside Development Corporation and has been treasurer since its origin in 1966. He is a director and former chairman of the Grand Forks Development Foundation and served as District Treasurer of the Republican Party. He has served as a director of the United Way and area coordinator on several occasions, and chairman of the South Forks Merchants Association. He was a Charter member and Past President of South Forks Lions Club, Franklin club, and Forx Investment Club. In 1956 he was awarded the DSA in Fargo by the Jaycees, Grand Forks Boss of the Year in 1968, and in 1985 was given the prestigious Henry Havig award by the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. He received the Service to Mankind award by the Sertoma Club in 1986. Don enjoyed a variety of hobbies including golf, bowling, bridge, traveling, and stamp and coin collecting. Don is survived by his wife, Maron; a son, Kirk (Rhonda) Miller, Fargo, ND; daughters, Nancy (Richard) Giddings, Bozeman, MT, and Patricia Reed, Grand Forks, 10 grandchildren, Mariah, Morgan, Zachariah, Leiah, Meghan, Devlin, Owen, Sterling, Ethan, and a great grandson, Brandon. He was preceded in death by his parents.