As you get ready for winter, stop and take time to look around. Take stock of your life and surprise an old friend, relative, or neighbor. Renew a broken relationship with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Don’t just agree with me and then move along with busy lists and chores – Just do it and enjoy all the things this great world has to offer!!

Peace! Tim Wingen

September 2019

& on-site crematoryCare

Pre-Planning Specialists

The

HAPPY FALL & FAMILY

Every year as fall approaches, I think about all the chores that still need to be completed and all activities I still want to do before the first snow flake falls. I make a list and work on it little by little, but inevitably set it aside for some other pressing matter.

This last week, I was thinking about how fast the summer went by and about all of the things I did not get to do. Then, the light went off! Chores will always be there, but will the people I love and care about, my family and friends, always be there? Maybe a better question would be…. Will I be here?

Every day I help people as they bury their loved ones. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t hear, “I wish I had told him….” or “I wish I had seen her before….”.

As I ponder on all the lessons I’ve learned from the families that I’ve helped over the years, I don’t want to leave this world with “I wish I would haves” or “I really should haves”. I have decided to make a commitment to look up old friends; call people I haven’t seen for a while. I am going to visit my mother more and take my grandkids out for treats just because! I will send a relative I haven’t seen in a while a card and do something special for my wife for no reason. Instead of worrying about my unorganized, dirty garage, I’m going to volunteer in the community more; I am committed to making a difference helping someone else other than myself.

Celebrate the Journey with Miller Funeral Home & The Care Group

Candice Van LiereManager/Funeral Director/ Licensed Insurance Agent

I feel like I have the best job in the world!! I really do…. And every day I am reminded of how lucky I am that I get to come to work at the funeral home. The best part of my job as a licensed funeral director and manager of The Care Group is that I get to meet with people in the community every day and I get to listen to their stories. The stories are what keep me going – the opportunity to honor the lives and legacies of the families I have met with, who have now become my friends, is truly a blessing. So now it’s our turn to share our stories – we hope you enjoy learning a little more about our families.

Catching up with The Care Group

“This summer, Jason and I took the kids on a true South Dakota vacation! We made all of the “must see” stops on the way out to the Black Hills. We had lunch at Al’s Oasis, visited Wall Drug, drove through Badlands National Park, enjoyed beautiful, Custer State Park, took our picture with the Presidents at Mount Rushmore, swam at Evans Plunge in Hot Springs, hiked though Wind Cave, experienced Crazy Horse Memorial, sat on the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Park, toured Bear Country and Reptile Gardens and discovered everything strange at Cosmos Mystery Area. We did all of this in just three days with our adorable 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Which reminds me – I forgot one VERY important stop at Candyland! We had a great time and it was so fun to see the excitement on their faces with each stop we made. The trip took us back to our childhoods and the memories we had from visiting all the same places when we were their age.” ~ Candice Van Liere

“This summer has been a very busy one for our family. My 6 year old daughter, Nora was busy with softball, gymnastics and swimming lessons. Much of our time, however, was spent getting ready for our new addition. We welcomed Brantlee Micheal on July 19; he weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces. We are overjoyed with him as he brings so much love to our home. He has a fantastic big sister and we can’t wait to watch them grow together.” ~ Emily McNamara

“As many of you know, my wife, Jenny and I were excited to welcome a baby girl last year…. Well our baby girl is already 15 months old – and boy, does she keep me moving! Some of the best days are when she surprises me at the office – her bright smile and crystal blue eyes light up the room and everyone’s faces as she moves from room to room waving “bye-bye”!! This summer, Jentri experienced her first family vacation to the Black Hills. She was fascinated with the little cubs at Bear Country and enjoyed her view of mother nature as we hiked trails through the Hills.” ~ Steven Schumacher

Candice with her husband, Jason and kiddos, Vayda and John at

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Jentri playing with her water table.

Steven and Jentri having a nice chat at the office.

Welcome Brantlee Micheal!Emily, Nora, Micheal,& new baby Brantlee

Celebrate the Journey with Miller Funeral Home & The Care Group

Testimonials “What People Are Saying...”

“Steven was very helpful, and patient! We had so many questions and he helped us complete

everyting on our time table.” ~Janet M.

“Shannon was very personable and put the “fun” in “fun”eral planning!” ~Laurie L.

“The family will appreciate that all my plans are complete. Emily made me feel comfortable and listened to my

needs.” ~ Ron E.

“Kim made me feel welcomed and gave me time to make decisions that were right for me. I am so relieved that this is complete and my family

won’t have to worry about making decisions on their own.” ~Betty F.

“Time has just flown by since joining The Care Group earlier this year. It is really important for me to remember to slow down and enjoy the time that we have with our family and friends. Every year, my daughter, London and I look forward to a week of family camp at Gull Lake Ministries in Michigan and this year did not disappoint. We traveled with four other families from Sioux Falls for a full week of boating, swimming, zip-lining, archery, and hearing from speakers on how to find and enjoy life’s deepest meanings. It was worth the 11 hours it took to arrive as I witnessed my daughter grow spiritually right in front of my eyes. Those memories will last a lifetime. I was also so excited to be able to celebrate my adorable, twin grandson’s 1st Birthday in August – they have grown so much! And now, we are back to school as London started 5th grade and my son, Matt began his senior year at South Dakota State. Here’s to making more memories!!” ~ Kim Banks

“My dad always told me, “Don’t blink...your kids will be grown up before you know it.” Boy, oh boy, was he right! My husband, Bruce, and I are experiencing the empty nest syndrome at our house right now but at the same time, we are so proud of all four of our children. The past few months the boys remind me daily of what wonderful young men they have grown into. Tristan, the oldest, got engaged to his girlfriend, Kayla, of 6 years and they are planning a June of 2020 ceremony. He has asked his little brother, Brooks, who just started his senior year at the University of Sioux Falls, to be his best man. Nothing makes me a prouder mother than seeing what truly great friends they are. I am so excited to help with the planning for my son and his fiancé’s wedding…all

are chosen, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are picked, the venue, the caterer, the photographer, the wedding dress… and so many more decisions to make. How exciting!” ~ Shannon Stroman

Kim Banks and her daughter, London zip-lining in Gull Lake, MI.

Tristan & Kayla engaged!

Shannon with her sons, Brooks (left) and Tristan (right) with her soon to be daughter

in law, Kayla out wedding planning

How do you mend a broken pumpkin? - With a pumpkin patch!If money really did grow on trees, what would be everyone’s favorite season? - Fall.How do trees get onto the internet? - Easy, they just LOG on.What did one leaf say to another? - I’m falling for you.What is a tree’s least favorite month? - Sep-Timber! Why did the scarecrow win a medal? - He was outstanding in his field.Why do trees hate tests? - Because they get stumped by the questions.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

VETERANS SEMINARThis special one hour seminar keeps you informed

about things such as...-Updated information on the new state

Veterans Cemetery.-The documentation you must have to receive benefits...and so much more!

When: Tuesday, November 12th at 10 AMWhere: American Legion

PIE & PREPLANNINGWe know the most difficult time to make decisions is the day after a loved one dies. Our 45-minute

seminar offers practical advice you need to know today to help you avoid mistakes when that day comes.

When: Thursday, December 12th at 9 AMWhere: Miller Funeral Home Southside

7400 S Minnesota Ave.

Call 336-2637 to reserve a seat or to be invited to future seminars.

This offer is available for preplanning only and cannot be used for immediate need. Must have coupon to redeem.

Not good with any other offer. Expires December 31st, 2019.

From now until the end of the year, when you preplan your services

with us, receive use of our reception center or equivalent discount using a church or other facility for a luncheon.

Celebrate the Journey with Miller Funeral Home & The Care Group

& on-site crematorySIOUX FALLS HARTFORD

ADVANCED FUNERAL PLANNING DISCOUNT

Harvest Chicken CasseroleINGREDIENTSKosher salt1/2 onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves1 tsp. paprika1/2 tsp. ground cuminFreshly ground black pepper2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for baking dish 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth, divided6 c. cooked wild rice1/2 c. dried cranberries1/2 c. sliced almondsDIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 350° and grease a 9"-x-13" baking dish with oil. In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces. Heat another tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, garlic, thyme, paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, covered, 5 minutes. Place cooked rice in a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Stir in chicken, cranberries, cooked vegetables, and remaining 1/4 cup broth. Top with almonds and bake until dish is hot and almonds are toasted, 15 to 18 minutes.

FALL FUNNIES