John Edward Miller died suddenly in his home in Brookings, SD on May 1, 2020 at the age of 75.

He was born March 28, 1945 in Beloit, KS to Channing and Mildred. As a "preacher's kid" he lived in many small towns across the Midwest, building a tight bond with his siblings Lois, Mary, Dan, and Tim. He earned his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he met his wife of almost 48 years, Kathy Miller. Moving to Brookings in 1974, Kathy and John established their home and a good life in Brookings, where they built close relationships with a large circle of friends. John dearly loved his children Ann and Tom, along with their spouses, Dave and Meghan, and grandchildren, Grace, Micah, Finn, and Liam.

As a professional historian, John taught recent American history for 30 years – the majority of them at SDSU following one year at the University of Tulsa. He also taught while serving in the Army in Vietnam and enjoyed teaching many OLLI courses in his "retirement." John was never far from books. He enjoyed reading, learning, and sharing ideas with others through conversation and written word. He authored or edited multiple books and numerous articles, most on history, but also touching on politics, creativity, literature, and small town culture. Notable books he wrote included: Looking for History on Highway 14 , Small Town Dreams: Stories of Midwestern Boys who Shaped America , three influential books on Laura Ingalls Wilder, and his most recent book Democracy's Troubles: Twelve Threats to the American Ideal and How we Can Overcome Them. Not only was John a well-recognized scholar on these topics, but his writing is engaging, conversational, and uniquely authentic to him. Those of us who miss him will remember his voice fondly when we read his books.

John lived life with passion. He loved early morning golf, the St. Louis Cardinals, debates with the "T.J. Boys," visits to Briggs Library, biking, and finding libraries and bookstores wherever he went. He was an epic road-tripper, combining research trips and conferences with family visits and vacations. He served on many church, community, and professional committees. He had a unique way of making genuine connections with people wherever he went, even with complete strangers.

Kathy, Ann, and Tom gathered in Brookings on May 2 for a brief memorial, and look forward to planning a full celebration of John's life when it is safe for family and friends to congregate. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please share a book with someone you love. If you wish to make a donation in John's name, please direct it toward the John Miller Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship through the SDSU Foundation or Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD.

Memorial cards may be sent to:

The Family of John Miller

C/O Eidsness Funeral Home

1617 Orchard Drive

Brookings, SD  57006