Carol Miller Burrows,72, passed away Monday, September 10^th with her husband holding her hand, after a brief battle with cancer that she fought hard until the end.

Carol Jane Miller was born Feb. 21, 1940, to Lucille (Carlson) and Samuel Miller in La Crosse, WI.
Her father ran a dredge on the Mississippi River, moving from time to time
throughout the United States. They always ended back here at their home in Dresbach, MN where
she graduated from La Crosse Central High School. Carol grew up on the Mississippi, she loved the water and nature, and she wanted to be on or near the river for the rest of her life. Many summer days growing up were spent at her grandparents’ farm up Miller Road near Twin Bluffs, playing with her cousins and siblings.
Carol met Lee at a dance in the Avalon Ballroom and
he proposed at the 1^st Oktoberfest in La Crosse. On December 30th, 1961, Carol and Lee married at the Asbury Methodist Church and they went on to enjoy over 50 years of marriage.
They lived in La Crosse and Carol completed her teaching degree at the University of
WI-La Crosse in 1967. Carol and Lee would then have 4 children; Karl, Jennifer,
Taje, and Mattias.
After receiving her teaching degree, Carol and Lee moved to Dubuque, Iowa where she taught high school English and Lee worked for the Corps of Engineers.
They also sponsored foster children in their home for years. Joe, Chuck, and Billy were among them,
and are the 3 foster boys who provided the funny stories and great memories in their family life to this day.
In 1973, they moved to Minneiska, MN where they bought an old farmhouse and fixed it up for
years (and years…) and it became their family home.
Writing, teaching, and reporting were Carol’s career loves.
She was a newspaper reporter and columnist for 15 Minnesota and Wisconsin newspapers, including salesperson at the Winona Post Newspaper.
She worked at the Wabasha County Herald for many years, reporting on local news and publishing her weekly column, “Dust Under the Bed.” Her column was a combination of humor and satire regarding family and daily life.
Carol and Lee were also involved in politics.
Carol was the City Clerk of Minneiska for 25 Years
and Lee was the Mayor for 24 Years.
She had a passion for the workings and intricacies of small town politics and a
dedication to Minneiska, volunteering for 8 years as SEMCAC surplus coordinator.
Carol looked forward to running the state and federal elections for Minneiska, believing in the excitement and importance of making your vote count.
Later in life, her grandchildren were the mainstay of her life. She has 4 grandchildren; Kayla, Ethan,
Sawyer, and Gretchen. She adored her grandchildren, especially when they came to her house and played.
She took pride in being a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandma.
She also loved keeping in contact with her girlfriends thru email and reading many news stories online. Carol was always up-to-date with the latest political stories and current headlines. The NY Times crossword puzzle had to be finished before the morning was over! Carol and Lee enjoyed getting in the car and going on adventures. They loved rummage and estate sales and the thrill of finding an overlooked treasure.
Several summers were also spent living on a houseboat, reading and watching the water.
Carol had no less than 4 books she would be reading simultaneously.
Carol is survived by her husband Lee Burrows, their 4 children; Karl (Kelly), Jennifer (Terry) Doering, Taje (Laura) and Mattias. Her siblings Cindy (John) Scheil, Barbara (Cliff) Growe, and Sam Jr (Nancy) Miller. Her brother-in-law Dean (Darlene) Burrows and sister-in-law Corrine (Ken) Eiler. Her nieces and nephews; Jill Sutherland, Paul Scheil, Darryl Burrows, Bob Growe, Katie Miller, and Sam Miller Jr and the many cousins that grew up with her.
She is preceded in death by her parents Sam and Lucille Miller, her in-laws Fred and Adeline Burrows and her great-nephew Spencer Scheil.
Her family is grateful to the staff of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Hospice and the Cancer Center.
Thank you to Coulee Region Cremation Group in assisting the family. A private burial will be held at a later date.
 
Friends are invited to the celebration of Carol’s life, which will be held on Sunday, September 30^th, from 2-5pm at Pettibone Resort on the River, 333 Park Plaza Drive, La Crosse.