Randall Miller

Randall S. Miller, 65, of Rochester, MN, the son of R. Drew Miller and Elizabeth Betts Lancaster Miller, died on January 1, 2017, at his home with his wife, Anne, by his side. Randy fought a brief but very courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was raised in Rochester and attended Mayo High School, graduating in 1969. Randy later attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a bachelors degree in biology. Randy met his wife, Anne Trusty, on July 22, 1972, and they were married on May 3, 1975, at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. They resided in Minneapolis from 1974 until 1976, when they returned to Rochester. He began his career at Mayo Clinic in 1976 and retired in 2014, working in hematology research and special coagulation laboratories for most of his 38-year career. His efforts included developing monoclonal antibodies for Von Willebrand disease, working with tissue prothrombin, and protein isolation in coagulation. He was a long-time blood donor, giving as often as allowed, as well as participating in plasmapheresis because of his hematology interest. Randy was passionate about the environment; his interest in the outdoors was ignited working side by side with his father, establishing a tree farm outside Rochester in 1970. Randy never put himself first; his selflessness could be seen in his love for family and friends, his volunteer work with the Lions Club, and his constant availability for anyone who might need his help. He was happiest spending time at his beloved Fernwood, the family cabin on Long Lake, MN, boating, working the land, and organizing kayak runs, canoeing, and priding himself on being the family camp counselor. Survivors include his wife, Anne, of Rochester; children, Drew (Lauren) Miller of Princeton, MA, and Claire Miller of Rochester; grandchild, Ophelia Lise of Princeton, MA; father, R. Drew Miller of Rochester; sisters, Judy (Tim) Halnon of Broomfield, CO, and Cheri Miller of Bahama, NC; aunt, Louise Peters of Streamwood, IL; and nieces, Cynthia (Joe) Fowler of Frankfort, IL, and Valerie (Mackenzie) Rome Fribance. Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Betts, and stepmother, Ruby Hurd Miller. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In keeping with Randys wishes, memorial contributions can be made to the Itasca State Improvements Fund through the University of Minnesota. The family wishes to thank the Mayo Clinic Departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Mayo Hospice Program for their unwavering support during Randys illness. Arrangements are being handled by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com