Stephen Miller

Steve was born in an era of rapid progress and change in the United States. The 1920s were boom years for our newly developed industrial sector as it worked overtime to fill worldwide demand of consumer goods. There were plenty of jobs available in every city and town, and everyone from industrialists to small time farmers found some degree of success. This gilded age wouldn’t last forever though. By the time young Steve was out of diapers, the Great Depression would change the entire face of the country.

Steve entered this busy world on February 24, 1927, in the town of South Bend, Indiana. He was the oldest of six children born to Stephen and Ella (Seiser) Miller. At the age of two, Steve’s family moved from South Bend to Kalamazoo, Michigan. His father worked for Oscar Meyer as a meat salesman and after retiring, opened Miller’s Market on East Main. Steve’s mother was a homemaker, raising the Miller children and later working with her husband in the store. Unexpectedly, Steve’s father contracted tuberculosis and was confined to a sanitarium. Because of these circumstances, Steve quit school at the age of sixteen to enter the work force at Doles Supermarket to help support his family. Soon Steve joined many other proud young American men by enlisting in the U.S. Army at eighteen. The war with Germany was over and after serving two years, Steve returned home and went back to school to earn his high school diploma.

While at a dance with another girl, Steve didn’t know it at the time, but this event would lead to significant changes for him. It was here that he met the woman who would share his life for fifty-two years. Eileen Steinmetz, caught his eye from across the dance floor and thanks to their mutual friend, Frank Barrett, Stephen and Eileen were introduced that evening. Their paths crossed again while Steve was performing in a play at Nazareth College. Six months later they were married on September 1, 1951 at old St. Augustine Church. Steve and Eileen’s first daughter Peggy, was born the following year. After her arrival, the young couple decided to move to Perry, Kansas, where Eileen’s mother had given them a farm. Steve and his family raised cattle, hogs, wheat and hay for the animals. Also, the family quickly grew from one child to seven with the births of Christopher, Matthew, Theresa, John, Mary and Vince. Besides farming, Steve also worked as a certified car man for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad building freight cars. The Miller family spent fifteen years on the farm until the property was seized by eminent domain to become part of the Perry Dam. So in 1967, they returned to the Kalamazoo area, where Steve found employment with the Upjohn Company. The family spent many years in their home at 1206 Race Street in Kalamazoo. After the children were grown they made one final move in 1991, to Oshtemo.

Steve had great acting talent and performed for many years as “Foster Brooks.” His performances as Foster brought great success to the Hackett High School’s annual school fundraiser called “Cabaret” as well as at the Borgess Service League “Follies”, another annual fundraiser at both the State Theater and Miller Auditorium.

When Steve retired from Upjohn, his co-workers gave him the gift of a hot air balloon ride. Steve and Eileen enjoyed traveling and after his retirement they visited many places but their dream trip to Ireland topped it all. As with all close families, holidays and birthdays were very important to them. Their 50th wedding anniversary was one of those cherished days.

Aside from being a dedicated father and husband, Steve had several hobbies that kept him active. He enjoyed golfing and often bragged about his hole in one at Pine View Golf Course. He was also active in the Kalamazoo Knights of Columbus #1616 and served many years as their golf league secretary. Steve enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends with whom he especially enjoyed golfing and hunting. Steve was a life long fan of Notre Dame football. He was also a devout Christian throughout his life. He has been a member of St. Joseph Church and St. Thomas More Parish.

Steve and Eileen lost their daughter Mary to breast cancer in 1999, a blow to the whole family, but the family pulled together to establish the “Dance for the Cure”, now in its fourth year.

Steve had strong values which he instilled in his children. They respectfully looked up to him and lovingly nicknamed him “Bossy Buns”. Steve’s grandchildren were very special to him. When they called out for their “Fuzzy Face” grandpa, he beamed with great delight.

Stephen R. Miller died on Friday, January 16, 2004, at Bronson Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Ella Miller, and daughter, Mary Robinson. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (Steinmetz) Miller; 6 children, Peggy (Craig) Gudith of Holland, Christopher (Linda) Miller of Kalamazoo, Matthew (Lori) Miller of Kalamazoo, Theresa (Roger) VanderSchie of Kalamazoo, John (Colleen) Miller of New York, NY, and Vince (Grace Orlando) Miller of Kalamazoo; son-in-law, Tom Robinson of Kalamazoo; 16 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Elizabeth Menck, Frances Dam, and Anne McCarty all of Kalamazoo; 2 brothers, Ted and George Miller of Kalamazoo, and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may spend time with the family on Monday, January 19, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES, Stadium Drive, West of US 131, 375-2900, where a prayer service will be held on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Parish. Following the mass, family and friends are invited to St. Joseph Parish Gym for a time of food and fellowship. To read Steve’s complete life story, share a memory, or make a memorial contribution to the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or Kairos Dwelling, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

Steve was dedicated to his family and faith. His deeds and actions were an inspiration to those who knew and loved him.