Bill "Papa" Miller

William Anton Miller, (87), of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on January 29, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.  Bill, fondly known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and patrons of Papa's Pumpkin Patch and Family Farm, was born to William Aloyisus and Evelyn (Svoboda) Miller, on April 16, 1935, in Leelanau County, Michigan.  Bill was the oldest of 14 children.  Growing up, Bill worked hard on his family's farm in Maple City, Michigan, and developed a lifelong love of agriculture and education. Bill graduated early from Maple City High School and went on to Northwestern Michigan Community College and Michigan State University (known then as Michigan State College) where he earned his bachelor's degree.  While going to college and working at night, he also ran Cross Country for both MCC and MSC.  Bill was an instrumental harrier on the 1955 MSU National Championship Cross Country team. He was active at St. John's Student Parish in East Lansing where he met his wife, Delores Zamarron, at a parish dance in April of 1960.  Recognizing his soulmate, he proposed, and Bill and Dee were married in October of 1960.  Bill continued his studies earning a master's degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, with Dee and his young family by his side.  Dr. Miller was a highly regarded Mathematics professor at Central Michigan University from 1968 through 2000 where he earned SuperProf status for his publications on game theory. He also engaged in sabbaticals in the Czech Republic, where he shared teaching methodologies and conducted genealogical research on his mother's family.  Bill was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Irishtown, joyfully serving as a Greeter and Eucharistic Minister. Not one for a simple retirement, Bill established Papa's Pumpkin Patch in 2000.  The farm is well known for autumn hayrides (with accompanying lectures on agricultural best practices and mathematics in the environment), choice pumpkins, cider and donuts, and fun family activities.  Bill wanted to establish a family centric outdoor activity for the Mt. Pleasant area. Bill enjoyed his family tremendously and had loads of fun on weekslong camping trips in the summers where a visit to a college or university and a national park or monument was on the docket.  Bill coached his kids' sports teams when they were young and watched his kids and grandchildren in sports matches, choral and band concerts, dance recitals, and theatrical performances. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, as well as their four children Sandra (Michael) Cotter of East Lansing, William A. Miller, Jr. (Laurie) of Mt. Pleasant, Robert J. Miller of Waterford, and Debra J. Schultz of Greenwood, Minnesota. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Maria Cotter; Hayleigh and Kristyn Miller; Robert, Andrea, and Evan Miller; and William and Madeleine Schultz.  He is survived by 9 of his siblings and their spouses, his wife's siblings, dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A funeral service for William will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home (2300 S Lincoln Rd., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858) with Father Fred Kawka officiating.  All are invited to join the family for a meal at the Lincoln Reception Center (located next to the funeral home). The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7:30 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues Friday one hour prior to service.  The family is grateful for the compassionate care Bill received from the staffs of McLaren Central Michigan Hospital, Isabella County Medical Care Facility, and ProMedica Hospice in the last weeks of his life. Bill and his family also appreciated Fr. Fred Kawka's meaningful last rites visit. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the William and Delores Miller Endowment at Central Michigan University. Envelopes will be available at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.  To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.