Jack A. Miller

Jack A. Miller, 90, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Jack was born on May 11, 1922 to the late Leonard and Viola (Eblacker) Miller. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1940 and served in the Navy during WWII. He married Rosemary Simone on Sept. 3, 1955 in St. Francis Church where he was a lifelong member. Together they lovingly raised six wonderful children. Jack was recognized by many in Traverse City for his years of dedicated work at Trude Hardware. He began working at Trude’s during high school and eventually become an owner of the store. He also purchased the Masonic Building in Downtown Traverse City where Trude Hardware was located. He took great pride in owning and preserving a piece of Traverse City history both in the store and in the building. When the Masonic Building was severely damaged by fire in 1987, he committed himself to reconstructing it as close to original as possible. Even at 90 years of age he was always making sure that everything was well taken care of in his building and that his tenants were happy. Jack loved people and chatting with them. He could often be found visiting at the Downtown Farmers Market in his retirement years or sharing news at Trude’s, which was a traditional stopping point for so many, during his career. He was kind to all and respected all people. Most importantly, Jack was a dedicated family man. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving Jack are his children, Barbara (Zaf) Khaja of Kalamazoo, Mary (Mark) Tafelsky of Williamsburg, Richard (Arlene) Miller of Traverse City, Paul Miller and Darlene Town of Traverse City, Bruce (Missy) Miller of Traverse City, and Elizabeth (Mark) Black of Sacramento; 16 grandchildren, sister-in-law Barbara Miller of Dodge City, Kansas, a good friend Nell Pitcher, and many other family members and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rosemary, siblings, Willard, Eugene, and Robert Miller, and Rhea Orth. Visitation for Jack will take place from 4-8pm on Monday, April 22, with a scripture service held at 7pm, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. James Gardner at 11am on Tuesday, April 23 at St. Francis Catholic Church with a visitation held one hour prior to the Mass. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation or St. Francis Catholic Church.

Jack A. Miller

May 11, 1922 - April 16, 2013