Donald “Bubby” Miller Jr.

 

Donald (Bubby) Gordon Miller Jr., 75, of Rochester, Minnesota, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1950, in Rochester to Donald Gordon Miller Sr. and Winnifred Lilia Miller. Donald was a dedicated husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather. His sudden passing has deeply saddened and shocked his family.

Known affectionately as Bubby or Bubs, he was the center of his family’s world and will be greatly missed. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, and many others he touched. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlys J Miller (Rudlong); daughter Jennifer L Martin; and granddaughter Myranda L Martin. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Without him, our world will seem emptier.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, stepbrother, stepsisters, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A gentle man, beloved and known for his willingness to help others. Donald worked for Rochester Public Schools as a Grounds Maintenance worker for 25 years until retiring in 2010. He enjoyed working outdoors, especially in winter, plowing snow at local schools, often riding his loader and jokingly watching for students and teachers who would sometimes get in his way.

Before his employment with the schools, Donald delivered mail for the Post Office, traveling to Viola, Elgin, Plainview, Kellogg, Wabasha, and Reads Landing with bulk mail.

Weekends were designated for spending time with family and friends. Bubs loved riding his Harley with his buddies. Once, during a ride on a sunny day, they ended up caught in a long rainstorm. Just riding with the wind in his hair, enjoying the scenery, was a perfect way for him to relax.

If not riding his motorcycle, Donald was probably loading his fishing gear and heading for the river, though few trips resulted in catches. He joked that the fish somehow knew when he was coming and always swam right beneath the boat, making it seem like they were never interested.

Bubs always ensured no one left hungry. An enthusiastic cook, he enjoyed trying new hamburger recipes and often packed Myranda’s lunches, including her favorite water. When she worked at the same place as Marlys, he prepared lunches for both, but after Myranda’s change of job, he stopped making lunches for Marlys.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am, with a brief remembrance at 12:30 pm, followed by a small luncheon on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Rochester Cremation Services, 1605 Civic Center Drive NW, Rochester, MN.

Rochester Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com.

 

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you did not go alone,

A part of us went with you,

The day God took you home,

If tears could build a stairway,

And heartaches make a lane,

We would walk our way to heaven,

And bring you back again,

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we love you still,

In our hearts you hold a place,

No one could ever fill.