John "Ben" Benton Miller Jr.

John "Ben" Benton Miller Jr., age 79, of South Carolina, formerly of Waseca, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Born on September 6, 1947, in Vinton, Iowa, Ben was the son of John Benton Miller Sr. and Mary June (LeVelle) Miller. He attended Washington High School, graduating with the Class of 1965.

Following his education, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until receiving his honorable discharge in 1968. After returning home from military service, he met Carol Sack, and the couple was united in marriage on August 16, 1969.

Together, Ben and Carol began their married life in Iowa before making their home in Waseca, where they raised their two daughters. Ben dedicated 34 years of service to Brown Printing in Waseca, working as a machine operator. He later concluded his career with J.C. Press in Owatonna.

Ben enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved hunting deer, turkey, and bear. He also enjoyed relaxing and watching television. A hardworking and devoted family man, Ben took great pride in providing for those he loved. He was a member of the Waseca American Legion and the Waseca Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Carol Miller of South Carolina; daughters, Vickie (Greg) Hokanson of Hayfield and Wendy (Joseph) Knudtson of South Carolina; granddaughter, Skyla Knudtson; siblings, Kathleen, Marlyce, Ted, and Richard; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, John Dean Knudtson; and brother, Edward.

Ben will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.