Robert J. Miller, 94, of Kingsford, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. Robert was born December 19, 1924 in Alpha, MI, son of the late Fred and Freida (Pultz) Miller. He attended Alpha High School and went on to attend Badger Business School in Green Bay.
Robert married Jeanne Barlament on December 24, 1944 in Iron Mountain. In 1962 Bob started his own business, Controls Supply in Kingsford, which he operated for 55 years. He was a member of the Elks Club and the National Racquetball Association.
Bob was an avid racquetball player until age 89 and won many competitions over the years including gold medals at both the International Racquetball Championship in Vancouver, Canada (1996) and the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah (2001) as well as numerous other trophies, medals and accolades. Another of Bob’s passions was restoring his 1934 Packard which won prestigious awards at car shows throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. He donated his 1919 Ford Model T Flivver that is on display at the Woodland Elementary Library in Kingsford.
Bob’s love of cars led him to found the Upper Peninsula Antique Car Club. A prolific writer, he is the author of several books, including “The Kid From Alpha”, He was also an inventor, and received a U.S. patent He loved traveling, taking trips throughout the U.S. including multiple trips to Hawaii with his wife and family members. Bob loved spending time with family, especially at their cottage on Lake Ellwood where they spent many summers.
Robert is survived by his wife of 74 years, Jeanne; a daughter, Cheryl (Dave) Svetlik of Kronenwetter, WI; two sons, Michael Miller of Wayland, MA and Mark (Cindy) Miller of Kingsford, MI; grandchildren, Laura Rose Erickson (Gary), David Williams, John Svetlik, Paul Sveltik, Jesse Quick and step-grandson, Josh Sieg; 6 great-grandchildren, Wesley Rose (Jamie Lenzner), Mike Rose (Ashley Kizewski), Leanna (Tim) Holzem, Sara Williams, Katie Williams and Andrew Svetlik; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his 7 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 23 at the Kingsford Funeral Home followed by services at 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
Pastor Jim Danielson will officiate. Burial will be at Quinnesec cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert Miller online at www.
ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Kingsford Funeral Home with the arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert J. Miller please visit our Sympathy Store.
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