Evelyn Miller 04/09/2026

Evelyn Engebreth Miller, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born to the late Gunnard and Violet (Swanson) Engebreth on December 1, 1945, in Anchorage, Alaska. She lived in Anchorage until she was five. Her father was President of the Alaskan Senate working toward statehood, while her mother raised their six children. They owned Engebreth Hardware. After her father’s sudden passing in 1951, they moved to River Falls, WI, to be near family. Evelyn was a strong believer in God and Heaven. Whenever a sun ray burst from behind a dark cloud, she always said it was her dad shining down from above.

Evelyn met her husband, Donald Miller, while attending college at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Don and Ev married at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls on August 17, 1968, and celebrated their 57th anniversary last summer.

Evelyn’s career centered on education. She earned a B.S. at UW River Falls in English Education and an M.S.E. in Literacy with a Reading Specialist license from UW Superior. She started her career teaching middle school in St. Paul, MN. After their two daughters, Sarah and Rebekah, were born, she enjoyed her time at home with them in Irma, WI, until she became a Professor of English at Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander, WI. The family moved to Rhinelander and remained there for the rest of her career. She taught English classes about literature, writing, and grammar, but her passion was helping learners transcend barriers to reach their goals. Many underserved, immigrant, and first-generation college students earned their degrees because of Evelyn’s guidance and expertise. Later in retirement, Don and Ev moved to Oshkosh, WI to be closer to their daughters.

Evelyn was a kind and joyful person who saw the best in everyone. Her love for family was fierce and constant, her support unwavering. She always made her family feel special through praise, encouragement, and acts of love. She also enjoyed spending time with close friends, who were like family. She was a trustworthy confidante who gathered regularly with friends through potlucks, a gourmet dinner group, and Labor Day trips to Lake Superior.

Books and music played an important role in Evelyn’s life. She had an abundance of books in her home library and would often be found with a story in hand. She also played piano right up to the end, reprising favorite songs such as “Heart and Soul” and “Für Elise”.

She adored walking and being in nature. The family spent endless hours boating and camping in state and national parks. Her screen porch overlooking Samway Lake remained her favorite location, where she could watch songbirds and hear the call of the loons. Each summer, she and Don hosted Camp SamRayVi at their lakeside home for their three grandchildren: Samara, Ray, and Violet. These magical camp weeks brimmed with pedal boat rides, fishing, bonfires, and hikes on their 80-acres of wooded land.

Evelyn is survived by her loving husband, Don; daughters Sarah Miller (Matt Eidson) and Rebekah Krautkramer (Kevin); grandchildren Samara Grover (Ethan), Ray Lauffer (Kailey DeWolfe), and Violet Krautkramer; siblings Karen Jensen, Kristin Engebreth, Roger Engebreth (Lee), Robert Engebreth (Patricia), and Nancy Sander; and 16 nieces and nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law Vernon Miller, mother-in-law Palma Miller, brother-in-law James Miller, and nephews Gunnar Jensen and Jesse Miller.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Bakken Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI.  Visitation will also be on Saturday from 1-2 pm before the service.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls.

The family would like to thank the kind staff at Lakeshore Manor Memory Care, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, and Moments Hospice.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to Alzheimer’s Research at alz.org, or to your local literacy foundation.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.