Karen Louise Miller

Karen (Swan Miess) Miller passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Western Wake Hospital in Cary, NC, from complications associated with multiple myeloma. She died peacefully surrounded by her children and husband at her side.

Karen was born on September 12, 1938 in Cumberland, Wisconsin to Melvin and Harriet Swan. She was raised in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, growing up on the family farm in the South Dewey area.

Karen overcame amazing physical challenges as a child, including rheumatic fever and also polio. She graduated from Shell Lake High School, where despite not having full use of her left arm from polio, she was on the cheerleading squad, and played the piano. She went on to study music and receive her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. While in college, she met Jack Miess, whom she married in 1960. Karen and Jack had three children, Michael, Michelle, and Robert. The family moved from Minnesota to North Carolina in the early 70s, residing in Cary, NC.

Karen taught piano to many students over the years, in addition to being the church organist at All Saints Lutheran in Minnesota, as well as at Christ the King Lutheran in North Carolina. One of our favorite memories of Karen as organist is when she would play “Toccata from the 5th Symphony” as a postlude to the church service, and the entire congregation would always remain in the sanctuary to listen to her complete the piece. She was also very involved with members of the Cary Concert Singers, engaged in fund raising, and translated music for them, as well as accompanying them on the piano.

Karen’s positive outlook on life sustained her through the various physical obstacles she faced over her later years. Karen loved the warm bright sunshine that came along with a Carolina blue sky….we can still hear her say “Gosh, isn’t it gorgeous outside!”. She was always very active, and enjoyed playing tennis at the Kildare Racquet Club and being with all of her tennis friends. In addition, she loved going down to “the condo” at Atlantic Beach, NC and spending time at the beach.

After Jack passed away in 1993, Karen married Dr. Frederick Miller in October of 2000 in Cary. Karen and Fred enjoyed spending time together traveling, including going out to Wyoming to visit Fred’s boyhood home, as well as visiting Karen’s relatives in Wisconsin. After Karen had a stroke in 2003, Fred was her chief caregiver, and helped Karen through many other physical challenges she faced over her remaining years.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dr. Frederick Miller of Cary; brother Dr. Lee Swan and wife Dottie Swan of Estero, FL; son Michael Miess and wife Lynn Miess of Weddington, NC; daughter Michelle Williams and husband Kevin Williams of Pittsboro, NC; son Robert Miess and wife Shauna Miess of Indian Trail, NC; and grandchildren David Miess, Ashley Miess, Tyler Miess of Weddington NC; and grandchildren Kyle Miess, Jamie Miess, Cody Miess, and Jake Miess of Indian Trail, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Pan Lutheran Ministries Families Together at 908 Plainview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610, or to the charity of your choice.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life on Tuesday, March 15th at 6:30 PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut Street, in Cary. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www.brownwynnecary.com