Lori Miller

Lori Kim Miller, 70, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, surrounded by her children and with the steady support of her husband, Dave, who stood by her side and did everything he could to care for her throughout her courageous battle with cancer. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing she is now pain-free and rejoicing in heaven.

Born July 16, 1955, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Richard and Mavis Jean Gulbransen, Lori spent her life spreading laughter, love, and warmth wherever she went. A proud and devoted mother, she raised her four children with fierce love and endless generosity: Josh Nelson, Jordan (Zac) Lunak, Meghan (Sean) Nordstog, and Evan (Jessica) Bollinger. She also embraced Dave’s children, John and Michol Miller, as part of her family.

Nothing brought Lori more joy than her role as "Grandma." She adored her grandchildren—Isabella, Bradley, Mac, Logan, Sadie, Blake, Hollis, Maddie, Palmer, Frances, Fiona, and Russell—and never missed a chance to spoil them with sweets, surprises, and love (even if it meant bending the parents’ rules). She cherished visits to Milwaukee and Raleigh to spend time with her kids and grandkids and never passed up a Pizza Ranch trip or shopping spree with those nearby in Grand Forks.

Lori had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Whether hosting summer gatherings with Dave around her pool and hot tub, playing bingo with friends, or betting on horses during the Kentucky Derby, Lori made every moment feel like a celebration. She was the life of the party—always laughing, always thinking of others. Just 10 days before her passing, she celebrated her 70th birthday surrounded by family and friends, a day filled with love and joy that reflected the way she lived her life and the deep connections she nurtured with those around her.

Her impact extended beyond family and friends into her decades-long career as a radiation therapist. Lori brought compassion, energy, and tireless dedication to her work. She loved her job, her coworkers, and most of all, the patients whose lives she touched so deeply at the Altru Cancer Center. She was a true caregiver, both by profession and by nature.

Lori is survived by her loving husband, Dave; her children and stepchildren; her cherished grandchildren; and her siblings, Sherry (Gary) Nelson of Racine, WI, Janine (Jim) Jones of Kenosha, WI, and Rick (Sue) Gulbransen of Appleton, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mavis Jean Gulbransen.

To know Lori was to feel loved, uplifted, and often full from a store-bought treat. Her zest for life, her deep generosity, and her joy in simply being with the people she loved will be missed more than words can say.

A family led celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 1st from 1–4 pm at Eagle’s Crest Grill. The gathering will be open house style, with a time for prayer and shared stories around 2 pm. All are welcome to come and go as they wish. 
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Lori’s legacy by sharing a laugh, spoiling a grandchild, or hosting a gathering that brings people together—just the way she would have liked.