Kathryn Phyllis “Kate” Miller, age 88, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, died at her home on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Kate was born on August 12, 1933 in Cannon Falls, the daughter of Asa and Mary Ellen (Tracy) Knowlton. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1951.

She married Merlyn Larson on May 3, 1958 and they had six children together. He died on May 22, 1964 and she later married Russell Miller on June 9, 1979. She was a lifelong member of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls, where she was active in the CCW. She had also been a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Kate worked at Brockway Glass, Kid Duds, and later Smead Manufacturing, retiring in 2002 after working there over 25 years. She had been a member of the union with Smeads. She later worked part-time in the mail room for Gemini.

She enjoyed visiting with friends and loved helping others. Her gentle, giving manner will be remembered fondly by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Merlyn Larson and Russell Miller; her parents, Asa and Ellen Knowlton; sons, Jerry and Dennis Larson; step son, Fred Miller; brothers, Roy (Clarice), Paul (Jane), Leo (Theresa), and Ellis Knowlton; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children, Marilyn (Tom) Falk of Gold Canyon, AZ, Jim Larson of Cannon Falls, Gail (Terry) Wichser of Cannon Falls, and Merlyn (Deborah) Larson of Lakeville; family friend, Renee Larson of Cannon Falls; step sons, Randy (Barb) Miller of Hastings and Duane (Cheryl) Hermanson of Cannon Falls; 3 granddaughters and 3 great granddaughters; 7 step grandchildren and numerous extended family; brother-in-law, Richard Larson of Bend, OR; sisters-in-law, Sharon Johnson of Dundas, Jean Larson of LeSueur, Ann Larson of Broken Arrow, OK,  and Marlys Weber of Cannon Falls; and brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Donna Miller of Cannon Falls.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, September 24 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9:30-11:00 am, at St. Pius V Catholic Church, Cannon Falls. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Urn bearers will be granddaughters, Krystal, Marah, and Jenna Larson, and great-granddaughters, Kiley and Madi Jeppesen, and MaKenna Wienhold.

Consider giving to ALZ.org in memory of Kate.