Daniel "Danny" R. Miller

Daniel “Danny” Robert Miller, was born March 18, 1960, in Allegan, Michigan to the late C. Eugene and Betty Miller. Growing up, Danny enjoyed playing outdoors, skiing, and wrestling. He earned a black belt club ranking in judo and competed in wrestling at the collegiate level. He graduated from Allegan High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Maris Elliott. They were married in 1982, and moved to Traverse City, MI thereafter. Danny and Maris welcomed two sons, Jacob and Beechie, and enjoyed 42 wonderful years of marriage together. Danny worked in the Oil & Gas Industry and spent many years running a successful real estate development business. As a family, they enjoyed being active members of their church, snowmobiling, boating on Long Lake, and traveling out West to ski and mountain bike. Their home was always open for gatherings and pool days. Danny spent much of his time in nature enjoying hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Hiking 14’ers in Colorado became quite the hobby- the more remote the better! Annual “deer camp” with his childhood friends was a highlight for Danny. In his quiet moments, he loved to spend time with his dogs and enjoyed photography. One of Danny’s best gifts was his sense of humor. No one could tell a story like Danny. The king of pranks, quick wits, and silly mischief, he kept his friends and family laughing all the time. Danny greatly enjoyed his time with family and was blessed to experience his son, Jacob’s, wedding to Katherine, and to meet his three grandchildren: Charlotte, Deacon, and Dean. Danny loved to play with the kids and was quite the big kid himself! They will always know him as Silly Grandpa. After a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s, Danny went to his heavenly home on February 12, 2024, and is now reunited with his son, Beechie. He is survived by his loving wife, Maris Miller, who devoted her time and care for Danny through his illness; his son Jacob (Katherine) Miller and three grandchildren, Charlotte, Deacon, and Dean Miller; his brothers Kelly (Debra) Miller, David (Kellie) Miller; and sister Sue (Doug) Bell; brother-in-law, Tad Elliott; sisters-in-law Cinda (Mike) Stukel, and Amy Elliott; and mother-in-law Bobbie Elliott. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends will dearly miss Danny. The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers at Traverse Manor and Hospice of Michigan. We greatly appreciate the loving care and friendships we made with his caregivers. They made a difference not only in Danny’s life, but the life of his family. A celebration of Danny’s earthly life will take place at Harvest Bible Chapel, 1669 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686 on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be served afterwards. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Michigan in Danny’s honor. Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Suite 3325, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Danny’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Daniel "Danny" R. Miller

March 18, 1960 - February 12, 2024