Audrey Miller Obituary, Death – We mourn the loss of Audrey Miller, our first Hidden Hero. Audrey was chosen because of all the time she has spent helping others and improving Ferndale. The year was 2020, and the pandemic was at its peak that autumn. This added some extra complexity to the presentation, but we were thrilled to be able to recognize her in this way. Audrey’s memorial ceremony will be conducted at Johnson Funeral ceremony in Thief River Falls, Minnesota on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating.
Audrey Sheryl Gustafson, the daughter of Alfred and Emma (Nelson) Gustafson, was born on April 24, 1952 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She was raised and educated in Newfolden, where she was also baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran. After marrying Gary Leader, Audrey gave birth to their son Lorrin in 1971. When Audrey and her sister Delores wanted to move to California in 1976, Audrey and Lorrin went with them. When the year was 1990, Audrey moved back to Thief River Falls.
Audrey and Johnnie Miller tied the knot on October 19th, 1993. They settled in a remote area not far from Thief River Falls. Before joining Digi-Key as a Supervisor in the Quote Department, Audrey held positions at Hugos and Arctic Cat for a combined total of six years of work experience. Despite retiring in 2017, Audrey continued to work after having a stroke in 2015. Audrey’s favorite things to do included preparing meals for her loved ones, browsing Netflix, lighting up, and sipping diet Coke. Lorrin (Sarah Sabo) Leader of Thief River Falls, her devoted son, and many other family members and friends survive her. Her parents, husband, and infant son, Leader, as well as her sisters Delores Kahl and Duane Gustafson, all predeceased her.