Leo Lawrence Miller

TRAVERSE CITY – Leo L. Miller, age 79, of Cedar, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Munson Medical Center in the loving presence of his family. Leo was born on October 13, 1938 to Leon and Phyllis (Stachnik) Miller at his grandparents’ farmhouse on the homestead in Cedar, MI. While Leo was young, he and his family moved down to Hamtramck in the Detroit area to earn enough money to purchase property in the Cedar area. After four years, Leo and his family moved back to Cedar, MI where he has lived ever since. Leo grew up in the Cedar area, attending Holy Rosary school; he worked at Morgan’s, a fruit processing plant in Traverse City. In 1961 he was drafted into the United States Army serving near Heidelberg Germany. Leo was honorably discharged in 1963 from regular service, due to his father’s terminal illness. He completed his military commitment through the Traverse City Reserves. Leo lived in Cedar, and returned to work for Morgan’s, until he accepted a job at Concrete Service in Traverse City, where he worked for over 40 years. In 1966 Leo met his wife Sandra (Conroy) Miller when they were attendants in a wedding at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City. Throughout their years together, Leo and Sandy loved raising their family, traveling, playing bingo, attending polka parties, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. Leo was a master at making concrete items such as benches, birdbaths and statues. He was always up for a spontaneous adventure. Leo loved his family dearly, he was a jokester, a jack-of-all trades kind of guy, was easy to talk to, and a great conversationalist. Leo had his strong Catholic faith and his close-knit family. He treasured his grandkids and enjoyed watching their sports and other activities. Leo is survived by his wife, Sandra, children; Brenda (Mark) Gokey, Leo Jr. Miller, Deborah (Collin) Reed, Daniel (Laura) Miller, grandchildren; Joe (Meridith) Gokey, Alex (Nicole Sciatto) Gokey, Katie Gokey, Mateo Gokey, Aiden Gokey, Mischa Reed, Colleen (Ray) Freund, Micah Reed, McKenzie Reed, Matthew Reed, Garett Miller, Gavin Miller, and Ellianna Miller. Sisters; Leona (Joe) Flaska, Patricia (Bob) Atkinson, Nancy Zimmerman, and Carol Noonan. Leo is also survived by many nieces, nephews and in-laws Shirley (Paul) Powell, Helen Timmerman, Ron (Clara)Bonebrake and Jill (Michael)Peoples. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leroy Miller, and brother-in-laws, Kent Zimmerman, Alan Noonan, and Steve Conroy. A visitation for Leo will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Holy Rosary Church, Cedar, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a rosary service taking place at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also take place on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Holy Rosary Church, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am with Father Donald Libby officiating. Immediately following Mass, a luncheon will take place at Holy Rosary Church. Graveside services will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to, Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621 or Cedar Fire Department, 8907 Railroad Avenue, Cedar, MI 49621.

Leo Lawrence Miller

October 13, 1938 - January 25, 2018