Miller, Wesley James, MD Age 71 passed away peacefully at home Monday, July 15. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and teacher. Born and raised in Joliet, IL. Graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, University of IL Medical School and returned to MN to complete his residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Hematology at the U of MN. Wes continued his career at the U as a clinician and researcher and discovered his true affinity for teaching. He became Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Medicine and was instrumental in the support and growth of the Clinician-Educator faculty. Dr. Miller was appointedthe fifth Nesbitt Chair and Head of the Department of Medicine in 2009 and held that position until his retirement in 2015. Wes received recognition for his teaching from students, residents, the MN Medical Foundation and in 2000 received the All University Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate, Post Graduate and Professional Education. In 2016 he was awarded the Harold S. Diehl Award granted to individuals who have made outstanding professional contributions to the Medical School, the University and the community. Leadership was one of Wes' many talents. He was a gifted organist, performing many recitals, playing at weddings of friends and family and filling in at various churches. Another of his talents was woodworking, he crafted many fine pieces of furniture and a beautiful cedar strip canoe. The canoe was often used for another of his passions - fly fishing. Wes travelled the country and to Patagonia in search of fish, his favorite locations were the driftless area in MN, WI and Iowa and the Boundary Waters and Quetico. Wes was an avid Nordic skier, an activity the entire family enjoyed near the cabin in northern WI. Many hours also were spent restoring the cabin. Wes enjoyed a good game of tennis and played with a foursome of good friends more years than they can remember. Wes is survived by his mother Betty Miller, father-in-law Lennart Nelson,his wife Nancy Nelson, sons Jonathan (Naomi Scott), Matthew, & Nickolas (Mattie Obregon), one granddaughter Justine. Also survived by sister Betsy (Bill Ruben) and brothers-in- law Tim (Jean) Nelson and Doug (Angelika) Nelson, nieces and nephews. Services will be held 2PM Friday, July 26 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Roseville. Visitation at the church Thursday 5-7PM and Friday 12:30-2PM. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Department of Medicine, U of MN, Dr. Miller Dept. of Medicine Resident Education Fund or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Bradshaw 651-407-8300 bradshawfuneral.com
Published on July 21, 2019
