Karen Miller
July 02, 1944 - May 18, 2026
Obituary
Karen Mae (Buerkle) Miller, 81, Gackle, ND passed away on May 18th, 2026, in New Salem, ND.
Karen was born July 2nd, 1944, in Dr Fergusons office in Kulm, ND to Edwin & Alma Buerkle. She was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fredonia, confirmed in Emmanual Luther Church in Gackle. She lived with her parents and sisters on the Walter Morlock farm south of Gackle for a year before moving to the Ritola Farm her parents later purchased. She attended a rural school named Feska # 3 in Gutschmidt Township near Gackle where she received her early education until it closed in 1958. From then on, she attended Gackle High School where she received her high school diploma in 1962. After graduation, she moved to Fargo and continued her education attending Interstate Business School. After graduating from business school, she started work at Farmers Union insurance in Jamestown, ND working as a bookkeeper.
She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, was Sunday School treasurer and served on Church council.
She ended up meeting the man she would spend 56 years of marriage with at a barn dance after he asked her to show him how to polka. She and Norman E Miller were united in marriage on October 24th, 1965, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gackle. They lived on the former Jacob Zenker farm from 1965-1969. They then made their family home on the Miller family homestead eight miles southwest of Gackle.
Karen and Norman were blessed with two daughters, Anita and Katina. Together, they farmed, raising crops and beef cattle, with their primary income coming from dairy cows. They milked cows for over 35 years, and Karen was often the steady, dependable presence in the barn, milking morning and night. She also worked alongside Norman in the fields. One of their proudest accomplishments was being recognized as a North Dakota Dairy Farm Family. While they rarely left the farm, they took a memorable trip to Alaska in 1988, their first trip since their honeymoon, to visit family. It was a journey they fondly talked about for years.
Karen was a wonderful cook who loved trying new recipes, and she could prepare a four-course meal in no time. Mealtime was especially meaningful, as it brought the family together after a long day’s work. Karen cherished being surrounded by her loved ones and was also known as someone who liked to have fun. She especially enjoyed watching her daughters and grandchildren play sports. In her spare time, she loved visiting with others, playing cards, and dancing. If music was playing—especially polka—her feet were tapping and her hands were clapping. Dancing always brought a smile to her face.
After losing her husband Norman, in 2021, She decided to move into Gackle Care Center where she lived until August of 2024. She later moved to New Salem where she resided until her death at Elm Crest Manor.
She is survived by her 2 daughters Anita (Scott) Hoger of New Salem. Katina (Jared) Sprenger & Jace from Mandan. Her granddaughters, Brenna Hoger, Bismarck. Fayth Hoger, New Salem and Kendyl Hoger, Kenmare. Her sisters, JoAnne (Marvin) Miller; Marcene (Henry) Veil, Sister-in-law Eileen Miller, along with her nephews Brian Veil, Luther Miller and Randy Miller, her nieces JoDell (Darryle) Stading, Denise (Kevin) Stoppleworth, Angela (Hugo) Villareal, and Sarah (Adeel) Afzal, 5 great-nieces and 9 great-nephews.
She is preceded into death by her husband Norman, her parents Edwin & Alma Buerkle, her maternal & paternal grandparents, brothers-in-laws Norbert and Calvin Miller, 1 sister-in-law Pat Miller, her in laws Emil & Mathilda Miller, and one nephew, Todd Veil.
The family would like to thank all the staff in both the Gackle Care Center and Elm Crest Manor for their compassionate care.
The family will divide memorials between Gackle Care Center, Emmanual Lutheran Church, and Elm Crest Manor.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gackle, ND with visitation one hour prior.
The recording of the funeral is available - CLICK HERE