Peter Miles

peter miles
Peter J. Miles, 80, Fargo, ND passed away on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo. He was born on September 8, 1934 to Merle C. and Evelyn (Hooshagen) Miles in Grinnell, IA. He grew up in Clear Lake, IA where he graduated from high school. Following graduation, he went to the Tulsa Aeronautical School. In 1954, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a helicopter mechanic in the Korean War until 1957. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a degree in Industrial Arts. After graduating, Pete taught at a private Catholic School in Waterloo. On June 28, 1958 he was united in marriage to Sandra Benjegerdes in Mason City, IA. They moved to Grand Forks in 1962 where Peter worked for Wausau Insurance.   He was transferred to Fargo and the couple made their home and raised their children on the North Side. Peter then worked as an Aeronautical Mechanics Instructor at Kundert Aviation before being employed as the executive housekeeper at Dakota Hospital. He later owned and operated Aamco Transmissions and Interstate Battery. Before retiring in 1993, Peter was a realtor for a few years at Town and Country. In his earlier years, Peter was very active in the FM Jaycees and served as the director of the Soap Box Derby. Many summers were spent with his family on Cotton and Pelican Lake where he greatly enjoyed sailing. Peter and Sandy also went on sailing trips to the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, and Maine. He was an avid Bison fan and not only had his house decorated, but wore yellow and gold every day of the football season. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandy; children, Maria Miles, Sabra Low, Karla (Tim) Haley; siblings, Jean Hopkins, Mary Mondale, Joseph (Judy) Miles; grandchildren, Ian Low and Nick Butze (Lesley Stoering); honorary son, Chris McIllwain; honorary daughter, Stacie Zeller; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Andy Haley. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all Peter’s nursing staff and caretakers. Memorials preferred to the Fargo VFW Post #762.

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  1. Karla and family,
    So sorry for your loss. Will pray for you all as you through this difficult time.
    Sincerely,
    Angela & Mark

  2. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family Karla…wishing peace and Christs everlasting grace!

  3. Dear Karla and Family,
    Thinking of you all at this time and hoping that the good memories of your dad sustain you through this difficult time. Please know that we’ll be thinking of you and sending you our prayers and love,
    XO,
    Rosemary & David

  4. Karla and family, We send our thoughts and sympathy to you at this sad time. We know what a tough thing losing a parent is, but, it can bring out lots of good memories and togetherness. We haven’t met your father, Karla, but, knowing you and the kind loving person that you are, we know that he had to be a good man. Take care, our love to you. Jean and Bill

  5. My sincere condolences for your loss. I will remember Pete offering support at a time when it was truly helpful. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  6. Hi Sandy, sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Sherri and I have you and your family in our prayers.
    Jim and Sherri Bellefeuille

  7. Dear Sandra and Family, We were so saddened to hear of the loss of Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Thinking of you. Lora Albrecht and Bruce Crummy

  8. I am so sorry to hear the news that Peter had passed. Growing up as his neighbor, I enjoyed the talks he and I used to have and his quick wit. I feel very fortunate for the time he spent with me, and the advice and insight he gave me about the business world that has served me very well over the years.

  9. Karla and Family,
    So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You are in our prayers and hope the memories of your Dad be some comfort to you.

    Thinking of you during this difficult time..

    Love and Hugs,
    Mary and Gary

  10. To Peter’s family: I know that our Lord is giving your family much comfort, along with the wonderful memories you have of Peter. I remember that, as many big brothers do, Peter enjoyed teasing his baby, teenage sister, Mary, although awkward teenagers don’t always appreciate that. Mary, and I must admit myself, could get red in the face when he drove us home from the library making comments about if someone was wearing a bra as we passed them. The memories will be a blessing when the grief passes.

  11. Sandy & family,

    I am sorry for your loss. The Bison have lost a big fan! His patriotism was evident in all that he stood for. Our sincere condolences. Kevin & Diane

  12. dear Sandra and Sabra

    I am very sorry for your loss. May Peter’s soul rest in peace. Amin.

    Sherbanoo

  13. Dear Sandra, Maria, Sabra and Karla,

    I’m praying for all of you to find peace, comfort and support with each other during this season. Remember all the wonderful times with Pete. I remember him as spunky guy with many stories to tell when he would visit Minneapolis.

    Love and Hugs,
    Cheryl

  14. Sabra and Family.
    My heart goes out to you all. As you gather to remember your Dad, Husband, Grandfather, after you’ve shed some tears make sure to share some laughs! Celebrate his life! Remember all the GOOD times…

  15. Sandi,

    Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts. You are an amazing lady, Pete was blessed to have you for so many years. I always enjoyed visiting when I would see him at Hornbachers!

    Take care!
    Mary

  16. Karla and Tim
    Our sincere condolences on your loss. May God’s loving grace be with you during this time.

  17. Sandra I am very sorry for your loss. I am sure Pete fought the cancer to the end. The last time he and I talked he was planning on coming back to pulmonary rehab. I hope you can find peace in knowing he is in a better place. Val

  18. Sandy and family, we are so sorry for your loss of such a man as Pete. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  19. Sandy, Maria, Sabra, and Karla,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Pete gave me my start in the automotive industry by hiring me at Aamco in 1978. I remember the fun times we had sailing at Cotton Lake and the little things he did to show appreciation for his employees. Your grief will eventually pass, but his memory will live on forever. He will be missed by many.

  20. Dear Sandy and family,
    I was so sad to hear about Pete’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you catch your breath from all the changes, medical decisions, and appointments that have filled your life in the last many months. May you find peace in knowing that you helped Pete enjoy a full life that included adventures and experiences that not everyone in the Midwest has had! May your favorite memories of Pete and your family time together comfort you. He will be missed at the barbershop!


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