Anthony Peter Miller, 71, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at his home in Traverse City after a short illness.
Anthony "Tony" was born October 19, 1951 in Traverse City, Michigan to the late John Joseph and Margarete Mary (Happel) Miller of Cedar. Tony attended Holy Rosary School and was a graduate of Glen Lake Community High School class of 1971. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era including basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and was later stationed at West Point, NY.
After his military service, Tony earned his HVAC license and owned a Heating and Cooling business in Phoenix, AZ. He loved taking his motorcycle out into the desert to be with nature and to take on long tours across the country before returning to Northern Michigan to continue his trade. Tony acquired his CDL license in the late 80's, owned a semi-truck, and eventually retired from the trucking industry in 2016.
In 1978, he fell in love with and later married Natalie Mattison of Grawn, MI, and helped raise her three children: Kris, Kate and Arthur. He loved spending time at the family farm, visiting his mom and reminiscing. In winter he was an avid ice fisherman, and in summer he loved water skiing and taking his speed boat on the local lakes. Later in life, he enjoyed visiting with friends and family, as well as raising laying hens and spending time with his dog Cleo, who brought him much joy. Tony was a hard-working man, willing to help anyone. He grew a large garden and shared with his neighbors, friends, and family. He enjoyed Friday night fish fry and loved playing euchre.
Anthony is preceded in death by brothers Carl Joseph (19) and David Wayne (4mo's) and step-son Arthur John (26). He is survived by former wife Natalie, five brothers: John Michael, Leonard Charles, Robert Paul (Judi), Edward Lee (Dorothy), Paul Stephan (Linda) and two sisters Mary Margaret and Lori Anne. He will also be dearly missed by his longtime friend Pam and the entire community of his friends in Hersey.
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith" -2 Timothy 4:7
Friends are welcome to visit with Tony's family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Anthony will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Rd., Cedar, Michigan 49621. Rev. Donald Libby will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army, Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780 and American Legion post 35.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Rd., Cedar, Michigan 49621.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Tony's family at his tribute page at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.