Marion Howard Mills

Marion Howard Mills, 83, of Hot Springs, S.D., and formerly of Union, died March 13 at Custer Regional Senior Care in Custer, S.D.

Memorial services were held March 18 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Pastor William Russow officiating. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Marion was born Oct. 15, 1925, to Samuel and Helma (Severhus) Mills in Maynard, Minn. Marion attended school through the eighth grade.

In later years he became an expert in hydraulics and also was the key inventor of the nylon bearing used in feed operations.

He married Lela L. Tripp July 4, 1949, in Montevideo, Minn. Marion was a true master of electrical, hydraulics, engine and small engine repair. He owned and operated his own saw and Kawasaki motorcycle shop in Custer. He also co-owned, with his brother Glen, the Custer Sport Shop. Later he and Lela moved to Union where he owned his own business specializing in small engine and chainsaw repair.

Those who knew Marion say he was a man born at least 100 years too late. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved and was thoroughly at home in the outdoors. The more rustic and primitive, the more at home he was. Those who knew Marion say he was a self-made man.

Marion's children and grandchildren were the center of his life.

Marion is survived by his wife, Lela of Hot Springs; sons, Marlin H. and his wife, Dana Mills, and Michael H. Mills, all of Union; daughters, Gwen and her husband, Randy Stombaugh, of Buffalo Gap, S.D., Katheryn Lee Mills of Hot Springs and Cynthia Kay and her husband, Doug Keith, of State College, Pa.; brothers, Glen and his wife, Babe Mills, of Great Falls, Mont., Darold and his wife, Marg Mills, of Benson, Minn., James and his wife, Jo Mills, of Oaklandon, Ind., Donald Mills of Ridge Crest, Calif., and Dennis and his wife, Maria Mills of Merced, Calif.; sisters, Maxine and her husband, Guy Short, of Tucson, Ariz., Sandra and her husband, Jim Tyler, of Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Sonora Golden of Appleton, Minn.; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Elmer H. Anderson; brother, Vernon Mills; nephew, Guy Tyler; niece, Karen Hemingson; brothers-in-law, Clifford Muenchow and William Tripp; and sister-in-law, Millicent Coonen and her husband, Robert Coonen.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Marion's name to benefit Katheryn L. Mills. Donations may be sent to the memorial in care of Lela Mills, P.O. Box 257, Hot Springs, SD 57747.

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