Daniel Quincy Miller

Daniel Quincy Miller, 78, died July 5, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

A service is at 1 p.m., Aug. 11, at the Wasilla VFW post, 301 East Lake View Ave.

Dan was born Sept. 29, 1933, in Gladstone, Ore., to Herman Miller and Florence Powers. Dan was in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 and the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960 to 1976. He lived in Ketchikan, Kodiak, Anchorage and Wasilla. He retired from the military and then started a new career with Matanuska Telephone Association from 1977 to 1989. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Moose Lodge. Dan loved to travel with his wife, Kay, in their motor home to see family, friends and Las Vegas; but Hawaii was their favorite spot to unwind.

“Daniel Quincy Miller was a much loved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” his family wrote. “He had a kind voice, generous hands and a contentious demeanor. Every day he adoringly called his wife ‘babe.’ He never failed to help his children any way he could.”

When it became too physically demanding to travel, Dan completely arranged a wonderful family reunion and brought all of his children and grandchildren to Wasilla in July 2010.

Dan courageously battled cancer for four years and never failed to lead by example. He made the best of everything; no matter the circumstances. He would cheerfully go to his chemo appointments and would enjoy visiting and getting to know the nurses and others at the clinic.

Surviving are children, Kari (Andrew) Ponchene, Kristi Miller and Danny (Dawn) Miller; grandchildren, Stephanie (Gabe) Laramie, Melissa, Zachary and Alex Ponchene, Brandon Miller, Destiny and Dakota Miller; great-grandchildren, Layla and Van Laramie; his brothers, John Miller and Jimmy Grino; and sister, Carmen Meeks.

He can now find solace with his beloved wife, Koreen Kay Miller, who preceded him in death.

Memorial donations can be sent to 1901 E. Porcupine Trail, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. An guestbook and obituary are online at alaskanfuneral.com.