Herman L. Miller

Herman Leslie Miller, age 66 of Midland, Michigan passed away on October 13th after a long and courageous battle with cancer and other health challenges. His battle spanned over 15 years, and he fought till the end, surrounded by his loving family, as he left this world and ran into the arms of Jesus.
He was born on October 21, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan to parents Herman and Hilde Miller, who predeceased him in death and surely welcomed him with open arms into the Kingdom.
Herman leaves behind his wife of over 39 years, Holly Miller and his children Herman "Nathan" Miller (Katie), Haylie Miller (Christian) and his sons by choice, Mathew Szyperski and Mark Roberson (Becky) and their kids. His two grandchildren Jaxon and Aiden were a source of great joy and hope in his last days. Also mourning his loss are his in-laws Jim and Charlene Dorrance, his sister-in-law Tamara (Jeff) Goetz, nieces Cassie Walker (Kaitlyn) and Lexie Sparks.
Herman also leaves behind his siblings Kevon (Angie) Miller, Vicky Miller, Nancy Miller and his nephew Dan Miller and niece Carlie Miller and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was blessed to have so many amazing friends that he considered family as well.
Also mourning his loss and struggling to understand where his best friend has gone is his faithful service dog Oliver. He never left his side until the end.
Herman grew up near Higgins Lake, Michigan, graduating from Grayling High School in 1976. He has a degree in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Science from Lansing Community College and was an active Volunteer Firefighter for years. He loved being in the woods, woodworking and worked for AJD Forest Products in Grayling, Michigan for over 30 years, retiring in early 2019.
Herman was happiest in the woods or with a fishing pole in his hand, a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Many family stories center around time spent hiking, exploring, boating and grand tales of the illustrious "big one" that got away. He was so proud of his son, Nathan, for turning his father's favorite pastime into his profession and loved hearing the amazing stories of Nathan's time as a Marine Biologist across Alaska and Florida. While he was not gifted musically, he was the #1 fan of his daughter Haylie's amazing gift as a singer/songwriter and spent hours listening to her playing the piano, guitar and singing. It always softened his heart and brought a smile (and a few tears) to his face.
The family would like to thank the incredible team at Heartland Hospice, MediLodge of Midland, Great Lakes Home Care and Washington Woods for walking alongside the family during his final days.
In accordance with his wishes, Herman was cremated. A celebration of his life will take place at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 22nd at 11:00 am. The family welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 11:00 am that same morning. The service will be led by Pastor Gary Cech, a friend, mentor and man who was influential in Herman's faith journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider an honorary gift to United Way of Midland County at 115 Jerome Street, Midland, MI 48640 or at www.unitedwaymidland.org. Gifts to United Way will go toward supporting youth camping at Camp Neyati. You can also consider a gift to the Beaver Creek Fire Department at 8972 S. Grayling Road, Grayling, MI 49738.
We leave you with a quote from Herman's favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien: "Don't adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story."