Any thoughts as to source of problem? Could it be a transmission slip or perhaps a fuel filter problem?

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, appx 120K miles. After about three hours of cruising along ( with a few intermediate stops/starts) at 2000 RPM@ 65 MPH on cruise control, the engine appeared to begin "missing" (slightly jerky and hesitating). I noted the Tach had increased to 3000 RPM for no apparent reason. I momentarily shifted into 3rd gear from "D, " with no apparent effect in any of the systems. Then I begin to notice a decided deceleration, with the tach now dropping, and no response to an increased accelerator application. I began moving to the emergency lane, and after a short distance the car finally slowed and the engine stopped completely. I immediately tried a restart (2 - 3 times) with no results. After waiting a few minutes - while trying to call AARP towing - I then attempted another restart. After a couple of "almost starts" the engine finally caught and within 30 seconds everything appeared to be operating normally - as it was before the "missing" originally began. This all took place within a distance of about two miles and less than 5 minutes of time. One other thing (maybe my imagination, ) I thought I smelled a faint odor of hydraulic or transmission fluid during the original few minutes till engine finally stopped. After getting it restarted, I drove the car another 13 miles home, with no reoccurance of the problem. On a final note, the transmission fluid level appeared OK after returning home.