Karel Dodge Miller

Feb 4, 1958 -

Aug 30, 2024

It is with a heavy heart we share that our beloved Karel Dodge Miller has passed away. Karel died surrounded by loved ones Aug. 30, 2024 after a valiant fight against COPD. She was 66 years old.

Karel will be remembered by all who knew her as funny, kind hearted, and a loyal friend. She remained upbeat throughout her illness, declaring "I will not lose my sense of humor!' Born Feb. 4, 1958 in Anchorage, Alaska, Karel was the youngest of five children born to aviator, Earl Red Dodge and homemaker, Marieanne 'Mike' Dodge. She attended Airport Heights Elementary, Wendler Junior High and East High School, graduating in 1975. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to both her family and her passions. She found fulfillment working in retail and nurturing plants at greenhouses, where her love for nature flourished. A gifted artist, she created beautiful stained glass pieces that reflected her creativity and attention to beauty. Above all, her greatest joy was her son, Pete Sesto. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, her husband and cat Buddy. She could often be found tending to her flower garden and keeping in touch with friends and family. She had lived in Hawaii and along with her family, was a close friend to deceased singer/songwriter, John Denver. The international star would visit the Dodges every summer and was known to give impromptu concerts in the home.

Karel is survived by her husband, Keith Miller of College Place, Wash.; her son, Pete Sesto of Anchorage Alaska; step son, Eric Miller (Emily, granddaughters, Hannah and Sarah); siblings, Steve Dodge of Austin, Texas (Betty), Kris Dodge Quillin of Sherwood, Ore. (nieces Mariah and Malia, nephew Matthew); sister-in- law, Vickie Dodge-Pamplin (Geof) of Bradenton, Fla.; niece, Michele Dodge Wall of Lexington, Ky. (David); and nephew, Michael Dodge (Kelly) of Anchorage Alaska; aunts, Karel Atkinson, Lola Fogelson and Helen Dodge. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Michael Dodge and Karla Dodge Browne; uncle, Sam Dodge. Karel will be deeply missed. May you fly the skies Karel (perhaps on the former Western Airlines where Red Dodge had been a captain pilot); may you skip the clouds, spread your wings, and breathe easy dearest Karel.