Harvey W. (Bill) Miller

Harvey W. “Bill” Miller, age 88, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, July 4, 2021 at Lakeview Assisted Living after a brief stay.

Bill was born August 25, 1932, in Escanaba, MI, the son of Harvey J. and Lucillle (Anderson) Miller. He served his country proudly as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War until he was injured in the line of duty, receiving an Honorable Discharge.

After returning from the war, Bill met Vivian Belongie, the love of his life, and they were married on December 7, 1952 in Sacramento, CA before moving back to Gladstone. They spent 68 beautiful years together. Bill worked for Stang Tank Line as a mechanic/manager for 35 years.

Bill could be described as colorful “one-of-a-kind” and as once said by his daughter-in-law, Wendy, he was “Larger than Life.” He was known to all to enjoy life to the fullest with plenty of adventures, leaving a legacy of stories to tell.

Once retired, he loved to ice fish and spent countless hours in the fish shack, treating his family to many fantastic fish fries. He relished his time spent at camp in Rock on the Escanaba River. He was passionate about hunting, gardening and telling stories around the campfire with a toddy and a cigar.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He truly loved his family and especially enjoyed gatherings at camp. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Bill is survived by his Wife, Vivian, sister Donna (Tony) Stapleton, Sister-in-Law, Diane Miller, Children, Don Miller of Kalamazoo, Cindy (Mike) Belongie of St. Jacques, Diana (Kelly) Molenaar of Gladstone and Terry (John) Closs of Gladstone. Grandchildren, Sam, Chris and Ben Miller, Danielle Molenaar and Haley (Chad) Leisnenring, Maggie (Gary) Moore and Kyle (Katie) Closs. Great Grandchildren, George and Owen Moore.

Bill was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother Jim, Sister Jackie and Daughter-in-Law Wendy Dawson.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 10:00 Am until Noon at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at Noon by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71 and the U.P. Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion.
Bill will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Gladstone American Legion. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Miller family.