Miller H. Schuck Jr.

Miller Harry Schuck, Jr., a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and lifelong love for family and the outdoors, passed away at age 88, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, faith, and the gentle example of a life well lived. Born and raised in Marquette, Michigan by his mother Jean (Ojala) Schuck, Miller grew up fishing with cousins, playing football, and ski-jumping by the age of five—childhood moments that shaped his northern spirit, perseverance, and lifelong joy in the outdoors. While attending Northern Michigan University, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Alatalo, beginning a remarkable 65-year marriage. Miller proudly served in the National Guard, and soon after college, he and Kathy welcomed their first child, Kay-Ann, jokingly referred to as their “graduation present.” Teaching careers took them to Flint, Michigan, where they became active members of Mt. Olive, St. Andrew, and later St. Paul Lutheran churches. They built a warm home and family life, welcoming three more children—Miller III (Sonny), Matthew, and Andrew. Miller spent nearly 40 years teaching drafting, job training, and industrial arts at Carmen-Ainsworth High School, shaping the futures of countless students. He also served on Ski Patrol at Mt. Holly and co-coached the CA high school ski team with a close friend, instilling confidence, skill, and a love of winter in his children and his students. Life brought both joy and heartbreak. The loss of Matthew at age 20 left a permanent ache, later softened by the arrival of grandchildren. Kay-Ann and her then-husband Thomas Mitchell welcomed Kaitlyn, who helped lift the family’s grief and became a source of enormous joy. Andrew and Megan (Olson) later added two more beloved grandchildren, Maeve and Ezra, whose laughter filled the years that followed. Meanwhile, Sonny moved to Colorado, married Paula Ungs, and created a new mountain home for Miller to visit and ski—something he treasured. In retirement, Miller and Kathy returned north and purchased a cottage on the Sand River near Lake Superior. “Camp” quickly became a gathering place full of bonfires, fishing mornings, grandchildren in kayaks, and evenings under northern stars. Miller built a sauna there—inviting all to test their Finnish “Sisu”—and found deep contentment teaching his family to catch trout from rivers and lakes. A man who loved through service, Miller fixed cars, patched pools, built rooms, and showed up whenever someone needed help. Dogs were always part of the family—goldens Karmel and Liberty Bell, and rescues Sandy and Lucky. In their later years, he and Kathy returned permanently to Marquette, cheering for NMU hockey, the Detroit Red Wings, and proudly watching the family ride in the Ore2Shore mountain bike race. He read often, laughed easily, and—when the moment called for it—could sport an exceptional mustache. At 88, his body grew tired, but his spirit remains steady and bright in those he loved. We carry forward his humor, his patience, and his quiet way of caring. Peace on your journey, Dad. May you rest in the beauty of heaven. We invite you to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 (2:00 p.m. Visitation, 3:00 p.m. Service at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City). A reception will follow at a different venue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the Cherryland Humane Society in Miller’s name. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Miller H. Schuck Jr.

October 7, 1937 - December 2, 2025