INTERLOCHEN — Nelson "Les" Milks, 89, of Interlochen, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
He was born on Sept. 24, 1925, in Traverse City to the late Nelson and Elsie (Cronkite) Milks. Les married the late Anna L. Lardie in 1949.
He proudly served his country in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy and is a World War II veteran.
Les, was known as an avid outdoorsman; together with Anna they loved to fish, hunt and travel the country. He was also known for the love of his vintage engines that he displayed at the Old Engine Show.
He worked for the Traverse City Street Department and retired after working for 31 years.
Les was remarried in 1997 to Pauline Grose, of Interlochen.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Don) Sandee, of Texas; Linda (Glen) Lile, of Traverse City; and Dorene (Dee) Kinnee of Traverse City; sister, Elsie M. Smith; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Brian and Ford; sisters, June and Olive; daughter, June; son, Nelson; and son-in-law, David Kinnee.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11 a.m., at the Lodi Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Home Health Hospice, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Les by visiting his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.