Pastor John Miller

pastor john miller
Pastor John P. Miller, age 51, a loving influence in the Hillsboro and Finley community passed away suddenly on Monday morning, November 19th, 2018 while at the Sanford Health Clinic in Hillsboro, ND. John was an amazing, caring father who transformed countless lives through spreading God’s love as a pastor in the Finley area. He was an amazing man with a gentle soul. John was born on January 4th, 1967 in Bismarck, North Dakota to his loving parents Peggi Guilbault and Phil Miller. He grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and gained a strong appreciation and love for his family. The love John had for his family stayed strong and influenced every decision he made throughout his life. After graduating from Shanley High School, John pursued his passion and went to Moorhead Technical College to become an auto mechanic. This passion also led John to becoming a race car driver in Glyndon, MN. Later, John would move on to his career at Dakota Fence for over 20 years. John had two sons, Joshua and Michael during his first marriage with Brenda Jacobson. His love for his family called him to move closer to his mother in Hunter, ND. During this time, John married Laurie Ernst and had his son, Sean. Looking for a place to settle down and call a home, John found the community of Hillsboro, ND. His hopes came true when he found a strong faith community at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He began to help with more and more starting with an involvement in the youth program and eventually finding ways to help with almost every part of worship. His love of helping others was driving him, and he had never felt more whole. John knew God was calling him to do much more. Through the guidance of his close colleague and friend, Pastor Joe Johnson, John decided to share his love of God by becoming a pastor himself. In this new position, John not only reshaped his life, but he reshaped the lives of the community he served in Finley. His last years were spent serving God and loving his family and community. John is survived by his sons Josh Miller, Mike (Morgan) Miller, and Sean Miller; his parents Peggi (Gene) Guilbault and Phil (Mary) Miller; his siblings Cathi (Bob) Nodsle, Ray (Wonell) Miller, Joe (Keri) Miller, Jeannie (Allen) Brock, Dennis (Teresa) Guilbault, Brian (Donna) Guilbault, and Mason (Denise) Guilbault; 14 nieces, 18 nephews, 4 great nieces, 6 great nephews, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. John’s Prayer Service will be held at Finley Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 25th at 4pm (with a 2pm visitation.) and the Funeral Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, ND on November 26th at 11am (with a 10am visitation.) The Burial will be for family only following the Funeral Service, and the family will return to the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church after.

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  1. Our deepest sympathies to all the families of John Miller. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Mike and Bev Jesser
    John 5:28,29

  2. Our Sincere Sympathy to the family of Pastor John. We are members of Ostervold one of the country churches he served in Finley. We surely did appreciate all he did for our church and the community. RIP Pastor John. Jerome & Karen Leslie

  3. This fine man was an inspiration to many, he lead youth of our church, and mentored many struggles. A true testament to life, John I hope you can see and realized how much of a difference you made to the children of Hillsboro. Yet, another instance of only the good die young. Prayers to his sons, family, and friends as they wrap their heads around this. We are so lucky to have had John impact our lives.

  4. Family of John Miller:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the MillerFamily at this time of sorrow. John was a very sincere and thoughtful. He will be missed by all .

    God bless the Miller Family.

    Bob & Michele Green

  5. His obit is A very nice tribute to a very deserving man. I had the privilege of working with John at Dakota Fence. Johns work ethic and relationships with coworkers and customers was always very important to him. This quality made him an excellent coworker and friend. John will be sorely missed. Knowing John is with God is the only thing that eases our sorrow.

  6. Peggi, Pat and I send our love and prayers. Words seem so inadequate at this time I hope you can find peace and comfort in the fact that John is in the loving arms of Jesus and will continue his ministry in heaven. Love to you and your family.
    Tricia

  7. John was a wonderful man and special classmate with the TEEM program at Wartburg Theological Seminary. I will miss his gentle spirit, kind words and smile. I will truly miss him around the refectory tables for meals and in our classroom settings.
    My deepest sympathies as you grieve John’s death. May God’s Spirit be with you in the coming days.
    Peace,
    Kimberly Frederking

  8. Thank you so much John. You made my faith in God so much stronger. And Our Saviors kids will surely miss you. Thank you John. Rest easy<3

  9. My deepest condolences to John’s sons and family. Keeping them in my prayers during this difficult time, may God give them some peace of mind during this difficult time . Your will be dearly missed by many. RIP
    The Garza Family

  10. I had the opportunity to work with John for nearly 20 years. Over those years he expertly installed hundreds of playgrounds at schools and parks and elsewhere throughout the Dakotas and portions of Minnesota. John was genuinely a jack of all trades, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do and he always approached a task with a can-do attitude. He was well-received by our customers as we often received glowing remarks on how much they enjoyed working with him and appreciated his easy going demeanor.
    Early last year John approached me with the news he intended to leave Dakota Fence to pursue his dream of becoming a Pastor. I dreaded the thought of not working with him anymore but who was I to try and talk him out of something like that?! 🙂 A year went by and I reached out to him to see how things were going and wondered if he might be interested in helping us out once in awhile. He soon stopped by and I immediately could sense an aura about him. Yes I was happy we were able to come to an arrangement but I was most happy that he made the decision he did to pursue his dream. Having attended the prayer service tonight only served to reinforce those thoughts. It was with great interest I learned of John’s journey and the impact he had on so many. To his many “families” I offer my heartfelt sympathies. Mike Dunn

  11. Uncle John was an amazing man, Abbie and i will never forget him. The news of his passing is still a shock. It was an honor to be able to have him in our lives.


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