Donald “Don” Miller

Donald (Don) Wayne Miller, 100, formerly of Draper, S.D., and more recently the Black Hills of S.D., died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 16, 2026. He was born in Custer, S.D., on January 30, 1926. Along with his family and friends, he happily celebrated his 100th birthday earlier in 2026. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th at the Draper Auditorium.

Don was the third child born to Albert and Lillian (Beckhart) Miller. The family moved to a farm north of Draper in 1930. So much of Don’s life was spent with his siblings, who he now joins in Heaven. Preceded in death before him: Albert (Bonnie) Miller Jr., Jerry (Elna) Miller, Delmer (Doris) Miller, Raymond (Gloria) Miller, and Shirley (Russ) Epple.

Don graduated from Draper High School in 1943. In 1946 he met the love of his life, Elaine Sterner, to whom he was married for 73 years until her passing on January 4, 2020. To them four children were born: Herb (Karen) Miller, Ron Miller (Tammy Steger), Ila Fedderson, and Sheree (Wayne) Reit. Sadly, they lost their oldest son, Herb, in 2004.

Young Don worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for $.90 an hour laying track. He also operated heavy machines for road construction building out Highway 212. Don and Elaine moved back to Draper, S.D. in 1952 and started Miller Trucking, where he worked until his retirement in 1995. He loved serving the farmers and ranchers in the community. Whether he was hauling livestock, grain, or fuel, or if they were discussing the price of wheat or cattle or this year’s set of yearlings, Don enjoyed the friendships he built along the way. Always comfortable in heavy machines, Don bladed the roads of Draper for over 40 years. He would often take his grandchildren with him in an old Dodge farm truck to haul a load of water from the Draper Dam to water their lawn in town. Don and Elaine were the Grand Marshalls for Draper’s 100-Year’s Celebration. Don was honored to once again be the Grand Marshall for Draper’s 120-Year’s Celebration this past June. Don was always proud of his Draper roots.

In 1977 Don and Elaine purchased a piece of land in the Black Hills of S.D., which would become their beloved Prairie Creek. Together with his brothers, Jerry and Delmer, they built a cabin that would not only become their home, but also the place of many cherished memories for their grandchildren. His grandchildren’s childhoods were filled with snowmobiling and ATVing throughout Prairie Creek, collecting logs and building forts in the trees, floating in the creek in an old metal bathtub, setting up elaborate games in the massive yard, and playing competitive hands of pinochle with Grandpa well into the night.

Don will forever be in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Don and Elaine left a loving and lasting impact on all of our lives. They will be deeply missed and forever remembered.