Walter “Wally” Miller, age 65, loving husband and father of three children, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City. He was born on December 26, 1955, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to Donald and Pauline Miller. Walt married Karen White on October 4, 1980, in Romeo, Michigan.
Walt was a painting contractor for over 40 years. He had many passions, he was an avid hunter. He hunted in many places throughout Michigan. He enjoyed bowling, he participated in many leagues over the years, having three 300 sanctioned games.
He moved his family from Shelby Township, Michigan to Gaylord in 1994 to share his passion for skiing. It was then that he began his many years of working at Treetops Resort. Walt never thought he would be a golfer, but he quickly fell in love with the sport. He also loved going to Canada on his yearly fly-in fishing trips with Karen.
Walt is survived by his wife, Karen of 41 years; his children, daughter Jennifer (Kurt) Miller of Gaylord, MI, son Donald (Meghan) Miller of Baton Rouge, LA, and daughter Suzanne (Trent) Breithaupt of Boyne Falls, MI; grandchildren, Myah, Merrien, Kaylianna, Walter, and Ruby, all of whom he adored. Also, surviving are his two brothers-in-law, Tom, and Dan; sister-in-law Elaine; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, niece, and many friends.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Donald, and Pauline Miller.
Condolence messages to the family can be made through the Nelson Funeral Home
A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.
17 comments on “Walter Miller”
Dear Karen and family,
We are so very sorry to learn of your loss of your beloved Walt. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Roberta and Ed
We want to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I am sadden to hear of the loss of Wally. He was a great man, husband, father and all around good guy. He is sorely missed. My condolences to my cousin Karen and her children. May Wally’s heart and soul rest until he is greeted by our father in heaven.
Dear Karen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. Our years go way back to when we were next door neighbors in Ray (used to be Washington). Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Knew Wally well through grade school and high school. Always a great guy. Played football with him and was in band with him. Sincere condolences. Kevin Cocozzoli, Romeo High School Class of 74.
We grew up together in Washington from second grade until we graduated in 1974. Sorry for your loss from the Roger Neddermeyer family.
I grew up as neighbors to the Miller’s. Loved spending time with Pauline. Wally was a close friend to my brother Roger.
I’m Wally’s cousin. I sadly haven’t had a lot of contact with Wally since we’ve grown older. But when we were kids, we always had a great time hanging out with all of our cousins at Grandma and Grandpa Gritzinger’s property. We played cards, snowmobiled, and ran wild in the woods. We looked forward to each and every weekend gathering. To me, he was kind, caring, quiet, but funny. My heart goes out to you Karen and your family. He will be missed. I’ll always remember his smile.
Karen and family, Lisa and I wish we could be at the memorial on Thursday as Walt was a good friend of ours and all of the Treetops crew, unfortunately, we need to be in Petoskey at that time and date, for Lisa to continue her radiation treatments for her lung cancer. Know that he will be greatly missed. I had the opportunity to know him as a coworker, a bowling partner, and a golfing partner over the years, and he always brought total commitment and his sense of humor to whatever activity we were doing that day. It was a pleasure knowing him and having the chance to pal around with him. You and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m Wally’s cousin. I sadly haven’t had a lot of contact with Wally since we’ve grown older. But when we were kids, we always had so much fun hanging out with all our cousins at Grandma and Grandpa Gritzingers, playing cards, snowmobiling, and running wild in the woods. We all looked forward to it each and every weekend. To me, Wally was so kind and caring, quiet but funny. My heart goes out to you Karen and your family. I’ll always remember his smile.
Thank you “Grandpa Mitch”!😂❤️ It warmed my heart to see this from you. We send our love and strength back to you, Lisa and family, as we understand your fight❤️ Lisa will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Karen, I am saddened to learn of the passing of your soulmate Walt. I enjoyed the conversations I had with him. May he rest in peace.
Karen, I am sorry to hear this. Walt was one of a kind.
Karen and family,
So sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and grandpa 😔 May God bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Karen, Jen, Don & Suzanne,
I am truly sorry for your loss. It has been a pleasure to be joined to your family through Don’s marriage. Walt was such a special man. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. God bless you.
Mary
This is Walt’s cousin, We had so much fun in our younger days. He is a special person, always had a smile and chuckle. My heart goes out to Karen and kids, grandkids. God bless you all, hugs and prayers.
Karen and Family,
So sorry for your loss! I knew Walt from working at Treetops! He and I were coffee buddies. He will be greatly missed.