Marvin Miller

When we reflect on the life of Marvin Miller we see how through loving others we can all touch a time and place we will never see. He was a man of great character and principles who leaves behind a timeless legacy rooted not only in faith, but also in diligence, perseverance, and selflessness. Through the way he lived his life Marvin taught us some of the most important fundamentals of life as his lessons reflected what it means to live life on purpose each and every day. He was gentle yet tough when needed, and it was no secret that seeing his family embrace the same faith he treasured and a barns full of hay brought him the greatest joy he had ever known. A true blessing in the lives of so many, Marvin will be deeply missed while his memory remains a lasting treasure for generations to come.

Nestled within the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1922 that boasted of several noteworthy events in America such as the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, the debut of the 500th commercial radio station, and the commissioning of the first United States Aircraft Carrier. This was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Fowler, Michigan, as they were thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on July 14th. Baby Marvin was born in Bengal Township, Michigan, as the oldest of five children born to his parents, Arnold and Pauline (Wieber) Miller. He was raised in the family home in Fowler alongside his sisters, Dolores and Helen, and his brothers, Lester and Hilary. His father worked hard on the farm that had been in the family since 1900 while his mother was a typical farmer’s wife. Marvin was mindful of the example he set for his younger siblings as he was one who toed the line. He attended a country school during his youngest years as a student and completed his formal education from Most Holy Trinity Catholic School after the eighth grade.

As was fairly common for the youth of his generation Marvin also shouldered his fair share of work around the farm, helping out wherever he could. After graduating from eighth grade he took on additional work as he was known for his strong work ethic even during his formative years.

Life was forever changed for Marvin when he met the young gal who stole his heart. Her name was Julia F. Lewis, and they met on a blind date. More dates followed, and together they enjoyed dancing and roller skating. While his sweetheart was finishing up the dinner dishes at his parents‘ house one evening Marvin tapped her on the shoulder and proposed to her then and there. A new chapter in their love story began when they were married on April 12, 1944.

The newlyweds settled on his great-grandparents’ farm and soon began welcoming children into their hearts and home. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Joanne and Lois, and three sons, Alan, Martin, and Chuck. Marvin was a vital part in the lives of their children, and together with his wife raised his children in the Catholic faith that was such an important part of his life. Grace was said before most every meal, and he and his wife said prayers together every morning and night.

In order to support his family Marvin worked as a plasterer in Lansing for a number of years before settling in as a technician at Select Sires where he remained for 31 years before retiring. However, his true passion was farming, and it has been said that he worked so he could farm. Marvin’s dedication to his farm was unmatched, and he read everything he could get his hands on about the farming industry. As a huge fan of country music he had his dairy cows dancing to country music every day - except for one week when his boys talked him into playing rock. It didn’t come as a surprise to Marvin that production was down that week! Someone who believed in working hard he lived by the motto, “If you haven’t shed a little blood today, you haven’t worked hard enough!”

There were so many things that made Marvin such an extraordinary man. He highly valued honesty, was extremely organized, and lived a structured life. As his friends and family can attest Marvin believed in being punctual and offered others who were late no slack either. He had a keen mind for fixing mechanical problems and could even fashion new parts for machinery. Marvin was patient and never one to complain, yet when he made his mind up about something there was no changing it! There was no greater treasure in his life than his family, and he always looked forward to having the family over after 8:30 mass on Sundays. Filled with unconditional love, Marvin tenderly cared for the love of his life during her time of greatest need, and after her death he helped his children and grandchildren cope with the loss of such a precious part of their lives in the way they each needed.

Life will never be the same without Marvin Miller here, but the unconditional love he gave to those around him leaves a lasting footprint in the sands of time. He was a man of unmatched character who reminds us through the way he lived his life that true happiness is not found in what we acquire, but in what we give away. Mavin was happiest close to his farm surrounded by the family he adored. “See you, Lord willing,” was something he always told us, and we find comfort in knowing that we will see him again someday.

Marvin A. Miller died on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Marvin’s family includes two daughters, Joanne (Gary) McNamara of Maple Rapids and Lois (Richard) Rodgers of St. Johns; three sons, Alan (Sheila) Miller of Lowell, Massachusetts, Martin (LuAnn) Miller of St. Johns and Chuck (Joanne) Miller of Fowler; 27 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; brother, Hilary (Geraldine) Miller of Lansing; two sisters, Dolores (Donald) Fox of Lennon and Helen Marie Schafer of Dewitt; one sister-in-law, Juliann Miller of Fowler; and his little buddy, Zeke. In addition to his wife, Marvin was preceded in death by his brother, Lester Miller, and brother-in-law, Paul Schafer. Funeral Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 19, 2012, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Fr. Mathias Thelen presiding. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m, Sunday, at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 p.m. and a scripture service will be at 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund, Most Holy Trinity Church, (989) 593-2162, 545 N. Maple St., Fowler, MI 48835, or to the Bishop Joseph Albers Trust Fund for the education of priests, Diocese of Lansing, (517) 342-2504, 228 N. Walnut St., Lansing, MI 48933. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory.