Born on the family farm in rural Stanley, ND to Ruben and Helma (Nelson), on November 12, 1923, Milton was the second of seven children. He was raised and grew up in Stanley, graduating from high school in 1941. He went to one quarter of college at North Dakota “cow college” NDSU.

Needing to see the country, Milton got on his Indian motorcycle and ended up in Seattle, WA working at Boeing. He worked at Boeing for 5 years. While attending the Baptist church in Seattle, his eye caught hold of a beautiful woman. Vivian Burrows and Milton were married in 1954.

Feeling the call from the farm to come back to ND, he and his bride moved home after the birth of their first child, Lucinda. They made their home on the original homestead for a few years and had two more children, Jerald and Christine (Renae,’Nazy Belle’). An opportunity arose to buy a farmstead not far away and a house was built starting with the basement. Two more children, Robin and Sharon were born. Then the house upstairs was finished.

While this building was going on, Milton worked for the Postal service. He held many positions, ending his career in the fall of 1992, after working there for over 35 years. He was postmaster in Ross and White Earth, ND for many of these years. Along with working in the Post Office, he continued his love of farming with up to 50 head of cattle and many fields of hard red spring wheat and durum. He farmed until he turned 80 in 2004. Milton continued to live on the farm until Vivian’s death in 2010. He lived his last years on a farm with his daughter in Powers Lake, ND.

Milton was a happy content man. He often could be heard singing old hymns and songs while fixing fence, working cows, or just working around the farm. He always had a song in his heart. He considered life wonderful, always giving thanks. He will always be remembered for being fair and for his kindness. Milton graced the community in many ways including being an active member of the Lions Club for many years. He was very active at the First Baptist Church and the former Maranatha Church, now River Of Life. He is already missed.

He is survived by his children, Lucinda (Conrad) Douglas, Sioux City, IA, Jerald (Dorothy) Enander, Stanley, ND, Christine (Kenneth) Jorgenson, Powers Lake, ND, Dollie (Leo) Sotelo, Shakopee, MN, Robin (Kevin) Olson, Cambodia, Sharon (Zach) Duhe’, Gulfport, LA; grandchildren, Colin (April), Carl, Alina, Heather (Larry ), Camille (Richard), Calvin, Kelsey, Colleen, Marissa, Matthew, Mitchell, Evan, Emily, Alice, David, Taylor, Samantha, Adam; great-grandchildren, Roland, Larry Jr., Lilly and Belle. Three brothers, Ralph, Fallbrook, CA, Ruben (Agnes), Heron, SD, John (Gloria) Stanley, ND; three sisters, Inez (Ralph) Simpson Albany, OR, Lue Bean , St. Paul, MN, Ruby (Don) Walters, Mohall, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Vivian.

Milton’s funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11 A.M. at River of Life Church, Stanley, ND. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Stanley.