Brookings Rotarians were able to celebrate along with her as Mayor Niemeyer proclaimed September 2, 2025, as Millie Juel Day in Brookings. Millie is moving away from Brookings to be closer to family and we'll miss her dearly.Brookings Rotarians were able to celebrate along with her as Mayor Niemeyer proclaimed September 2, 2025, as Millie Juel Day in Brookings. Millie is moving away from Brookings to be closer to family and we'll miss her dearly.
The Mayor's Proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, Mildred "Millie" Juel began piano lessons at the age of five and has now shared her musical talents for an extraordinary 93 years; and
WHEREAS, Millie graduated with honors in music from Univ. of Tulsa, and upon moving to Brookings in 1958 with her husband, Orrin, and their young family, quickly became a cultural cornerstone in Brookings: and
WHEREAS, Millie taught piano for more than 35 years as well as served as accompanist and adjudicator at SDSU; and
WHEREAS, Millie accompanied many events, including bass-baritone LeRoy Hoffman in a benefit concert for the SD Art Museum, performed at the inauguration of Governor George Mickelson, and co-chairing and accompanying major community musicals; and
WHEREAS, Millie generously served on the boards for organizations including Evening for the Arts, Prairie Repertory Theatre, and United Way, and supported their family business, Juel's Shoes, and distinguished herself as First Lady during Orrin's mayoral terms from 1970-1980 and 1990-1993; and
WHEREAS, Millie continues to play for churches, senior care facilities, civic organizations, and the Rotary Club, and as a 65-year member of P.E.O Chapter BA.
THEREFORE, be it resolved, that I, Oepke G. Niemeyer, Mayor of the City of Brookings, do hereby proclaim September 2, 2025, as MILLIE JUEL DAY.
Millie, you are very loved and will be missed!