April 16, 2025

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STN Staff

John Gerald Miller

John Gerald Miller, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, on the eve of his 95th birthday.

Born on February 4, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to Hungarian immigrant parents, Louis and Christine, John grew up in the Hungarian enclave, Delray, during the Great Depression, which shaped his resilient and resourceful nature. He graduated from All Saints Catholic High School in Detroit, where he also served as an altar boy. His early years set the stage for a life full of adventure, hard work, and dedication to his family.

John’s professional career began at Ford Motor Company as an electrical apprentice, followed by 34 years as an electrician at General Motors’ Fleetwood plant, retiring with pride as an Electrical Engineer. He enjoyed attending auctions, and had a knack for finding a good deal wherever he went. Following his retirement, he found joy in gardening, becoming a certified master gardener, took pleasure in volunteering for the Webster Fall Festival, and was a docent, along with his wife, at Domino’s Farms’ Frank Lloyd Wright’s exhibit. His passion for community was reflected in his steadfast commitment in helping his family, neighbors, and friends.

Making a home in Dexter, MI, John was generous and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He could fix anything and everything, from an electrical appliance or gadget to his car, truck and tractor. He reroofed his house along with appreciating woodworking by making walking canes. An avid birder, he could identify birds from their song, and planted flowers to attract them.

On Fridays, he enjoyed bowling with his league, and after the game, he always made sure to bring home a fun meal to share with his children. For his children’s entertainment, he built a baseball backstop in the backyard where countless baseball games were played. John was a voracious reader, had a keen interest in travel and was fortunate to visit Shanghai, China, and Mexico. His interests encompassed finding transistor radios, repairing watches and dinner at Knight’s. He cherished his grandchildren and devoted time to attending sporting games, school activities and taking them on adventures.

John’s life was enriched by his beloved wife, Julia, married 56 years, who passed away in 2018. He is survived by his three children: John A. Miller (Wendie), David E. Miller, and Susan A.Miller (Kirill Lobachyov); four grandchildren, Sean, Blake, Olivia and Evan. He will also be lovingly remembered by his large extended family, and many friends.

John is preceded in death by his loving wife, Julia A. Miller, his cherished daughter Pamela A. Miller, his parents and five siblings, Christine McCosky, Louis, Joseph, Marion Lutes, and Frank.

A visitation for John will take place Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 3410 Broad St, Dexter, Michigan 48130. The following day, another visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, leading into his funeral service at 11:00 AM, also at the funeral chapel. Afterward, John will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2528 Baker Road, Dexter, MI, at 12:00 PM. A luncheon will follow at 12:45 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church — Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, Michigan 48130, where family and friends will gather to remember him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter MI.

Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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