WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Wilfred “Willie” A. Miller, age 91, of Colon, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Birch Meadows AFC in Three Rivers.
Willie was born in Bronson, Michigan on March 28, 1928, a son to the late Ray and Ruth (Annis) Miller.
He grew up in Colon, graduating from Colon High School with the class of 1946.
Willie married Norma Jean Culp on October 4, 1946 and they lived their lives in the Colon and Sherwood areas until Norma’s death in 2002. Willie then married Priscilla Waltke in 2006 and they too lived in Colon.
Willie enjoyed farming and also owned and operated Lakeshore Elevator in Colon. Upon retiring he sold Golden Harvest Seed. Willie was a former president of the Branch County Farm Bureau and was a long-time member of the Michigan Dairy Association.
Willie is survived by two children; Karen (Wayne) Miller of Union City, and Gary (Cathy) Miller of Colon, two step children; Larry (Gloria) Waltke and Dennis (Ann) Waltke, four grandchildren; Steve, Matt, Andrew, and Jessica Miller, four step grandchildren Dustin, Marcus, and Schyler Waltke and Khari Clements, five great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, and one sister Lois Hostetler.
Besides his parents Willie was preceded in death by both wives, a daughter Charlene, a brother Deo Miller, and three sisters; Opal Bell, Beth Shumaker, and Lamoine Rank.
The family will receive friends and family from 2 to 5 at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD in Colon on Sunday, December 22, 2019. A funeral service celebrating the life of Willie will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Colon United Methodist Church with Pastor Samuel Gordy and Chaplin Blessed Madugba officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Colon Athletic Boosters or Birch Meadows AFC. Folders will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be left at Schipperfuneralhome.com.
