Dona A. Miller saved Lloyd C. Lium from drowning, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, April 22, 1961. Lloyd, 8, who could not swim, fell 70 feet from atop a very steep cliff and landed in the Chippewa River, where he floated inert in water 25 feet deep as the strong current carried him downstream toward the open gates of a dam. Water temperature was 40 degrees. Mrs. Miller, 29, homemaker, was attracted and from the top of the cliff saw Lloyd in the water. She jumped and slid down the cliff, grasping brush at times to slow her hazardous descent. Near the bottom she slid off the almost vertical rock base and dropped 10 feet into the cold water, where she was submerged briefly. Mrs. Miller, a poor swimmer, then swam 15 feet to Lloyd, grasped him by his belt, and towed him 12 feet across the current to the base of the cliff. Unable to climb out or to secure footing in the deep water, she clung to a ledge and held Lloyd, who began to revive. By shouting Mrs. Miller attracted the attention of some men in a motorboat. They helped her and Lloyd aboard and took them to a Ianding. Both Mrs. Miller and Lloyd escaped serious injury.
Obituary
Dona Miller, 95, passed away peacefully Monday, July 13 at good Shepherd nursing home.
Dona was born March 13, 1931 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin to Ernest and Cleora (Robarge) Baumberger. She married Charles Miller in 1951. She spent much of her life in Rice Lake before moving to St. Cloud Minnesota. She was a dedicated homemaker, an active volunteer and member of her church. She served as auxiliary president for the Buffalo Hospital and gift shop. She enjoyed creating gifts and cards for her family and friends. She was a fabulous decorator, entertainer, baker and shopper. She cherished time with her beloved family.
She spent her lifetime, loving, guiding, creating, and helping. Her life was built on a foundation of kindness, patience, and deep dedication to those she loved. Though she has departed this physical world, the love she gave so freely remains woven into the very fabric of the many lives, she touched. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her wisdom, her love and the endless devotion she poured into each and every one of them.
Dona is survived by her children,
Chuck (Jane) Miller of St. Cloud. Kathy Wolf of Richmond. Mike (Bridget) Miller of Sauk Rapids. Kelly Bares of Buffalo. Lynda (Daryl) Senger of St. Cloud. 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles, daughter, Pat Langer, brother Wally Baumberger, sister Darlene (Neal) Schneider, son-in-law Jerry Langer and son-in-law Mike Wolf.