Elsie Marie Miller, 83, of Owatonna died Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at New Richland Care Center. A Mass of Christian burial is at 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road in Owatonna, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral liturgy at the church. A parish rosary was recited at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Elsie was born Nov. 18, 1934, to parents Herman and Elizabeth (Maurer) Jensen in Mitchell, South Dakota. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1952. After high school, she worked as a receptionist.

She met the love of her life, Paul W. Miller, at Terp Ballroom in Austin. In 1954 the two were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. They made their home at the Miller family farm in rural Owatonna. While Paul worked the farm Elsie stayed at home and raised their 11 children. In 1968 Paul passed away. Elsie stayed on the farm to continue raising the children. Once all the children were in school, Elsie worked as a Homestart teacher with Semcac. Throughout her working career she was a dietary manager at the migrant school, Owatonna Nursing Home, Cedarview Nursing Home, Oakview Nursing Home and lastly, Ellendale Truck Stop. In 1975, between raising her children and working, Elsie received national recognition for Solo Parent of the Year.

Elsie had a love for the outdoors. Her hobbies included baking and canning. In her last few years, she loved watching game shows, which she attributed to keeping her mind sharp. She had a deep love for family and friends. She gathered her strength from her relationship with God.

She is survived by nine children, Ralph (LeAnn) Miller of Owatonna, Lillian (Carl) Stockwell of Northfield, Duane (Dawn) Miller of Dodge Center, Agnes (Larry) Dyer of Hobart, Indiana, Emil (Jackie) Miller of Blooming Prairie, Marvin (Debbie) Miller of Clear Lake, Iowa, Rosemarie (Steven) Kaiser of Waseca, Audrey (John) Hoverson of New Richland and Paul (Melissa) Miller of Austin; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Marcella Trandem, of Blooming Prairie.

Elsie is preceded in death by husband, Paul; her parents; sons Leonard and Roger; two siblings, Helen and Emil; and one great-grandchild, Nicholas.

A special thanks to the volunteers and staff at New Richland Care Center.

To leave an online condolence message, go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.