Max Miller

Max Duane Miller, 89, of Traverse City, quietly passed away at home on December 17, 2022. The man many fondly knew as the “Elmbrook Golf Course Ambassador” or the “Icon of the Neighborhood,” was born in St. Louis, MI, November 6, 1933, son to Rollen and Hazel (Hetzman) Miller. Max was drafted into service through the US Army in 1953. He spent the majority of his tour in England, but not before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Barbara Angus. The couple had a shotgun wedding on April 4, 1953, in Midland, and quickly left for Europe together, much to all of their parent’s chagrin. They must have done alright though, because they carried on together through thick and thin all the way until Barbara’s passing in 2018. Upon their return, Max quickly found work. He attended night school and eventually earned his journeyman certification in mechanical engineering. His skill, drive and perfectionism would serve him well in this field his entire career. Most important in every way to Max, was his family. He attended absolutely every sporting event and activity he could of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prior to settling in the Grand Traverse area to be nearer to his family in the late eighties, Max lived in various places in Michigan such as Hemlock, Freeland and Shields. When he wasn’t being his family’s biggest fan, he personally enjoyed hunting, fishing, coaching, baseball, camping and golf. In fact, Max hit a hole-in-one at Elmbrook in 2012. He also played softball professionally for the US Army on a travel team while serving. Among many things that made Max the man he was, was his likeability and genuine spirit. He was never the type to say a cross word. Max leaves behind his sons Mark (Cheryl), Steve Miller and Jody (Betty Jo); honorary son Mitchell Uhlman; grandchildren Robyn (Scott) Doriot, Matthew (Kriya) Miller, Michael Miller, Dana (Richard) Shoskey, Janelle (AJ) Zirkel, Patrick (Nicole) Miller and honorary granddaughter Dakota Jersevic; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings Gala (Lurel), Elaine Lamb and Doris (Andrew) Michaelson, and a host of friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara; daughter Karen Favara, son-in-law Dominic Favara and granddaughter Sarah Favara; sister Marilyn Pretzer; brother Larry (Alice) Miller and brother-in-law Charlie Lamb. A celebration of Max’s life will be held 11AM, Wed. January, 11, 2023, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Max’s honor may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Max and his family, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Max Miller

November 6, 1933 - December 17, 2022