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Steve Millar

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 18, 2022 @ 2:42 pm In 2022,Obituaries | 17 Comments

Steve Millar Web Photo

Steve Millar, age 72, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at the Veterans Hospital, in Minneapolis, MN. He was a beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 21, at 1 pm, with a time of gathering from 11 am – 1 pm, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Urn bearers will be Jennifer and James, with honorary pallbearers of Bob Conzemius, Mike McGinn, Dave McGinty, Mike McGinty, Dan Metzger, Scott Mosley, Neal Olson, Bob Reinecke, Jeff Scherer, and Jerry Wells.

Steven Kent was born in Nuremberg, Germany, on September 1, 1950, to Walter Kent and Roberta Jean (Kiely) Millar. Being born into a military family, Steve has lived all over the world. The Millar family eventually found their way to MN in the mid 1960’s. Steve attended and graduated from Bloomington, Kennedy High School. After being drafted into the United States Army, Steve served during the Vietnam war, from 1969-1971. Following his service, Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, at the University of Minnesota. While Steve considered a career in government affairs, his love of music and performing led him to pursue his life passion of singing.

Steve was a self-taught singer with a natural gift. At the University of Minnesota, he put together a group of musicians and called themselves “Kithara”. They soon entered and won a contest at the Minnesota State Fair in 1973. Steve then auditioned for the 1976 bicentennial group celebrating musical history called “Everybody’s Country”. He toured with that production for the year. Steve started his own group shortly after that which he called Diamondhead. Steve took his passion for music and transformed it into a longtime career as a producer, singer, entertainer, recording artist, contractor, and the list goes on. Steve is a highly acclaimed entertainer and producer. He has given audiences a show of diverse music and humor that kept you dancing the night away. Steve also took his love of music and talent and shared it at St. Michael Catholic Church, as a cantor and as a member of the choir.

Steve’s generosity and committed heart also reached out to the Prior Lake community, where he felt most at home. Steve had a passion for politics and for the less fortunate. Steve served as a counselor for the Prior Lake City Council, from 2006-2011. As an advocate for the city and its residents, he was committed to listening and being open to a variety of possible conclusions. Steve spent countless hours supporting others as a Rotarian with the Prior Lake Rotary. Once again, he took his passion in music and supporting others in need at the annual LakeFront MusicFest. Lastly, he was a proud member of the Prior Lake V.F.W and being surrounded by other veterans and their families.

Steve once quoted, “Prior Lake is my home: I love this place.” It was here, life was the fullest. He married the love of his life Jo Anne, on July 14, 1987, in Laguna Beach, CA. They raised two children, Jennifer, and James, in the community he so loved. Traveling much of his life as a child and with his career, Steve relished being surrounded by his family, at his home. He enjoyed being active in Jennifer and James’ lives and especially as his family grew to include a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons he absolutely adored. Steve has performed on many stages locally, nationally, and internationally, but his favorite gig was the stage set up at home, with his grandsons by his side. His love for family, including siblings also extended to Jo’s family, with having a close relationship with his father-in-law, Tom. And we can’t forget the extension of compassion and love from his four-legged dog friends, Rambo, Buddy, and JJ.

Steve’s legacy will live on in those he loved most wife Jo Anne “Jo Jo”; children, Jennifer (David) Busselman, James (Gretchen) O’Meara; grandsons, Jackson, Brody, Jayden; father-in-law, Thomas McGinty; siblings, Judi (Dave) Little, Martha Tessmer, Lisa (Mike) McGinn, John (Nancy) Millar, Nina Keeling, Arianne Millar; sister-in-law, Sherry; and other beloved relatives and devoted friends.

A special thank you to Steve’s doctors and nurses at the Veteran’s Hospital who so deeply cared.

Greeting Steve home in eternal peace are his parents, Walter and Roberta Millar, brother Mark Millar and mother-in-law Barbara McGinty.

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Condolences for the family of “Steve Millar”

Condolence from Rich & Darlene Davidson on September 18th, 2022 4:37 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family!
Your neighbor & fellow Veteran!

Condolence from Kathleen Naeve on September 19th, 2022 7:12 am

Wishing you God’s peace and strength through this difficult time.

Condolence from Shannon Riley on September 19th, 2022 12:24 pm

Dear JoAnne and family- we are holding you close in affection and prayers at this sorrowful time. Steve was truly a wonderful man! May your faith and memories bring you peace. Sending you love.
Shannon Riley & Joe Genereux

Condolence from Annetta Williams-Novak on September 19th, 2022 3:30 pm

Dear JoAnne and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I so enjoyed giving him rides to the VA for his appointments. Annetta with Scott County Veterans Service Office

Condolence from Kim Forrester on September 19th, 2022 4:56 pm

Dear LORD heavenly Father,
I pray for a gentle blanket of comfort to cloak Steve’s family, sweet JoJo, Jen, James and their families.
It is with great honor to have had you as friend’s that I like to call our family. You are people whom we have trusted with the care of our daughter’s Aubrey & Madison when they were children. Proud to have you as neighbors in Piror Lake and to be a part of your musical and dental careers.
Steve went to school with my sister and was in Viet Nam with my brother.
There are so many fond memories we keep in our hearts. You will be remembered greatly.
We love you!
Kim Forrester

Condolence from JoAnn Brandt on September 19th, 2022 5:18 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
JoAnn Brandt

Condolence from Marcey Iverson on September 19th, 2022 8:37 pm

Heartfelt prayers are with you. Steve brought out the best in everyone he touched. He lived his life spreading happiness and love thru his music and genuine kindness.

Condolence from Teresa Mosher on September 19th, 2022 9:21 pm

JoJo and family- we send our deepest sympathies. Steve leaves a lasting legacy in Prior Lake and everyone who knew him. Prayers to you all.
Kory and Teresa Mosher

Condolence from Dave Glynn on September 20th, 2022 7:26 pm

Thoughts and prayers to Jo Anne and family . May your family, friends and faith carry you through this difficult time.

Condolence from Bob and Gail Barsness on September 21st, 2022 9:56 am

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Condolence from Roger and Susie Ferguson on September 21st, 2022 2:15 pm

Our deepest sympathy to you Jo and your entire family. We will remember Steve for his many accomplishments and for his contributions to family, friends, community and to our country.

Condolence from Larry Deeney on September 21st, 2022 2:27 pm

Jo Anne and family: What a beautifully written tribute to Steve. It’s clear that he was a remarkable human being and had a positive impact on so many people. I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and strength for you and your family through this difficult time, and please take solace and comfort in the trust that Steve is now joyfully singing with the angels.

Condolence from Timothy Bardell on September 22nd, 2022 10:59 am

Jo Anne – my best wishes and sympathy to you and your family. Steve was a warm and steadfast human being, someone you could count on. It was a privilege to play with the talented musicians he led in Diamondhead and the Stonewings house band.

Condolence from Grace Tillotson on September 22nd, 2022 5:57 pm

Once you heard Steve sing you never forgot him ! He added quite a bit of “gusto” to the St, Michael’s choir and his voice lifted our spirits to the heights ! Sometimes referred to as our “Elvis”, he was deeply admired and appreciated for the gifts he brought to our worship at St. Mike’s… Bless your memory Steve and may the heavenly choir be better for your being there !

Condolence from Julie Grinager on September 26th, 2022 9:14 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you Jo Jo and your Family! Steve will truly be missed.

Condolence from Deanna Miller & Terrie Hopkins on December 29th, 2022 8:43 pm

Terrie Hopkins and I (Deanna Miller) want to give Steve’s family our condolences. He was a great entertainer. We drove many miles to see/hear him perform at Stonewings in Bloomington. Thank you Steve for giving us such enjoyment! Our heartfelt prayers go out to Steve’s family.
Sincerely Deanna & Terrie

Condolence from Johnny O Keefe on September 16th, 2023 3:09 pm

Great guy. Steve & I worked together on the early 2000’s on recording project’s for Musicland. He will be missed.

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