Funeral services for L. Greg Miller, 88, of Chamberlain, SD will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain, SD.  Visitation will begin Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with a scripture/rosary service at 5:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain, SD.

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Lawrence Gregory "Greg" Miller April 1, 1937 – September 22, 2025

Lawrence Gregory "Greg" Miller, age 88, passed peacefully into eternal life on September 22, 2025, in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Greg was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 1, 1937, the youngest of eight children of John Victor and Mary (Summers) Miller. Greg descended from a proud Scottish lineage, brought to the United States aboard the Cameronia by his mother, Mary of the Lindsay Clan, originally from Blairgowrie, Scotland. As a child he was a talented tap dancer and began to play the piano at four years old, to the delight of his older sisters. In the 4th grade, he won the state spelling bee and traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete nationally—an adventure he cherished throughout his life. Greg joined the U.S. Army as a young man, serving during the Vietnam War and playing a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Afterwards, he became the Recreation Director at the Methodist's Children's Home in Detroit, where he began a lifelong calling as a counselor. Most importantly, it was there that he met the love of his life, Diane, who he pursued with sacrificial love and roses.

Greg and Diane were married on February 21, 1970, and raised three children (Eric, Jennifer, and Celeste) together in Williamston, Michigan. Greg started a 'Smokeater' business with his dear friend Harry Curtis, which sustained the family until he and Diane felt a new calling. Their blind faith and openness to God's will brought them to Chamberlain, South Dakota, in 1983, where they served as house parents at St. Joseph's Indian School. After eighteen months Greg was offered a position as Director of the Drug and Alcohol Program on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation. Due to his own recovery, education and ability to counsel–he accepted the position. Later he became the Director of Counseling Services for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe serving the community for 37 years until his retirement in 2020. Though Greg gave much of himself in service, he often said it was the Native American people who truly saved him, shaping his heart, deepening his faith, and giving him a home in South Dakota. Some of his favorite places were among the valleys, hills, and the Missouri River he came to love so dearly.

He was a man of peace, gentleness, and dignity. He lived a life of devotion and service to Jesus Christ and the Catholic church. Greg was deeply spiritual, devoted to prayer and to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the rosary. Greg played piano all his life, loving both music and dance, something he's passed on to all of his children and grandchildren. He served for many years as pianist and music director at St. James Catholic Church and had a hospitable charm and sense of humor that made people feel welcome. He is the bedrock of our family. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, devotion to Christ, love of family, and friendship to the vulnerable.

Greg is survived by his devoted wife, Diane; son Eric (wife Jenna) of Chamberlain, SD, daughter Jennifer (husband Jamie) of Pensacola, FL; and daughter Celeste (husband Jeremie) of Monument, CO. As well as grandchildren: Eric's children - Hayes, Levi, and Andrew, and stepchildren Nissi, Judah, Josiah, and Jack. Jennifer's children - Amanda Celeste, Tristin (Amy), Jameson (Brooke), Samuel, and Daniel. Celeste's children - Eva Marie (Elijah), Julian, Langston, Ari, Soren, Jack Beren and Beatrice Marie. Also great-grandchildren: Ellie, Emma, Grayson, Parker, Lucia, Philip, and Juliette. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Victor and Mary Summers Miller; his siblings Jack, Rosemary, Margaret, Richard, Patricia, Jane. and Leo (son Christopher); and his special pup Napoleon, his Siberian Husky.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.