Leona Marie Miller, 87, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Leona was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to John and Leona (Doerr) Haberman. Music was her passion and her piano students were her pride and joy. She taught piano lessons for over 60 years and three generations in her communities of Owatonna, Oakland, Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, and surrounding area. She loved her students and their families. She encouraged their success through competition in the Austin Music Guild.

She was active in the Catholic Church worship ministries. She was an organist at St. Joseph’s Church in Owatonna and St. Edward’s and St. Augustine’s in Austin. Leona had the privilege playing the organ and the piano as part of many of life’s celebrations, including Christmas and Easter services, weddings and funerals. Through her talent and music choices, she could encourage a grieving family, calm a nervous bride and provide the perfect arrangement for any and all celebrations.

Leona met Wayne Miller at a Christmas Dance in 1957. Wayne proposed on the following Valentine’s Day and they married on June 21, 1958. Leona was active, along with her husband and family, in their farm community, supporting 4-H, FFA, and the WIFE organization. She loved the arts and was frequently in attendance for the Austin Symphony, Austin High School Performing Arts and the Austin Artist Series.

She is survived by her four daughters, Susan, Patricia (Bob), Linda and Karen; eight grandchildren, Kristopher, Rachel, Megan, Heather, Zachary, PJ, Sean and Josh; four great-grandchildren, Isla, Hadley, Emilia and Lucille; and sister-in-law, Mavis Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Leona (Doerr) Haberman; her husband, Wayne Miller; and son-in-law, Darrell McCall.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Mayer Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.