Dr. Harold J. Miller

Dr. Harold J. Miller, 95, passed away on February 5, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, February 10 at Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel in the Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership at the University of Mary with Monsignor James Shea officiating. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Harold was born September 21, 1929 in Strasburg, ND to Peter and Mary (Baumgartner) Miller. He married Carole Johanneson on September 1, 1956. After earning his Doctorate Degree in education from the University of North Dakota, Dr. Miller joined Mary College as its 4th President in 1970 and served in that role until 1978 when he became Chairman of the Board. He took on many other roles at the University over his nearly 50 years of service.

Sr. Thomas Welder used these words and more to describe “Doc” at the April 30, 2005 Commencement where Dr. Miller received an honorary Doctor of Leadership degree, “He could have been significant in any arena he chose—stadium or rostrum or pulpit. But he chose a small Catholic college for women sponsored by Benedictines then transformed it into the coeducational institution we know today as America's Leadership University. A risk-taker, a visionary, a man always seeking the best in other people, he combines steadfast faith with savvy, idealism with an eye on the bottom line.”

He is survived by his daughter, Beth (Kevin) Dvorak; grandchildren, Alana Dvorak and Casey (Chelsea) Dvorak; brother, Michael Miller; brother-in-law, Kent Johanneson; many special nieces and nephews; and family friend Beb Mohler.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carole; his parents; brothers, Donald and Ozwald (Ozzie) (Delores); two sisters, Ramona Becker and Pearl Miller; and in-laws Helgi and Ann Johanneson, Jay (Tillie) Johanneson, Jeanne Turner and Barbara Johanneson.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful University of Mary nursing students who helped care for him, Caring Edge Hospice, and The Benedictine Living Community for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the University of Mary in his memory.