Carolyn Emily Miller, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 25th, 2026 at Elderwood of Hinckley Assisted Living.

Carolyn Emily Steinbring was born August 29, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Arthur and Irene (Steinberg) Steinbring. She grew up between Isanti and Cambridge, graduating from Cambridge High School in 1958. Carolyn went on to attend the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis. There, she not only built a lifelong career as a dedicated Registered Nurse, but also formed cherished, lifelong friendships—earning the only nickname she ever had: "Bongo."

Carolyn met the love of her life, John "Jack" Miller, at Pine Camp, and they were united in marriage on September 29, 1962. Together, they raised three sons, passing along their deep values of selfless service and their love for the outdoors. Fond family memories include camping, hunting, walleye fishing on Lake Oahe, salmon fishing on Lake Michigan aboard their boat, Ma’s Furniture, and proudly winning a pickup truck at Salmon-A-Rama in 1987.

Over her long nursing career, Carolyn cared for patients at Sandstone Hospital and Nursing Home, Cambridge Hospital, Rush City Hospital (as a Charge Nurse), and the PACU at Fairview Lakes in Wyoming. Following her retirement, she continued serving her community by volunteering for many years at Fairview Lakes, the Pine City Food Shelf, and her church. She was also an active member of the Red Hat Society.

Carolyn loved knitting, crocheting, baking, and cooking, but above all, she loved playing Cribbage. She and her brothers fiercely competed for a rotating "Traveling Cribbage Champion" trophy, and she looked forward to her regular Wednesday night games with friends—or anyone willing to sit down for a match.

Carolyn is survived by her three sons, Paul (Jennifer) Miller, Tom Miller (Rozanne Severson), and David (Julie) Miller, all of Pine City; grandchildren: Dakota “Cody” Miller (Michael Golly), Kyle Miller (Amanda Dronen), Brittany Miller, Jonathan Miller, Caleb Miller (Jade Pederson), Shanelle (Ian) Martin, Noah Miller; great grandchildren: Brinley Martin, Bryer Martin, Peyton Miller, Lane Miller; brother Eugene Steinbring of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law Margaret Steinbring of Ramsey; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John "Jack" Miller; her parents, Arthur and Irene Steinbring; brothers Alvin Steinbring, Harold (Marge) Steinbring, Marvin Steinbring, and infant brother Steinbring; and sister-in-law Joan Steinbring.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on September 1st , 2026 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City, with Reverend John Stiles officiating. Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on August 31st, 2026 at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Elderwood of Hinckley and Swanson Funeral Chapel for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carolyn's memory may be directed to:
Pine City Smoke Eaters
400 5th St. SE
Pine City, MN 55063

Funeral arrangements for Carolyn Miller have been entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel 

FuneralAndCremationService.com