Bruce M. Miiller

Bruce Miiler lived a life rich in family and service to others. Loving and kind, hardworking and generous, hopeful and persevering, Bruce embodied the principles of his faith. He welcomed each day as a gift and every person he met as a friend. He listened with sincerity, saw the best in everyone, and made others feel that they were the most interesting person he had ever met. With unwavering devotion, Bruce embraced marriage, fatherhood, career, and community with humility, conviction, and commitment. In so doing, he gifted each of us with a role model for how to live an authentic and heart-centered life. An inspiration to all who were blessed to know him, Bruce will long be remembered and ever so missed.

1951 proved a year of increased comforts and exciting new possibilities. While unemployment dropped to 3.3% the nation additionally celebrated the first direct-dial trans-coastal phone call, easier travel in more comfortable cars and on newly paved interstates, and the premieres of "I Love Lucy," "The Day The Earth Stood Still," and "An American in Paris." Nowhere was the sense of hope for the future more celebrated than in Cadillac, Michigan as Edward Otto and Mildred Hazel (Campbell) Miiller welcomed their son Bruce into their family on December 2.

The fourth of the nine Miiler children, Bruce grew up in a home filled with activity. Though his brother Larry died as an infant, Bruce shared close relationships with his siblings. Karen, Edward, Marlene, David, Mark, Kurt, and Greg were his first and longest friendships. He was also close with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. An intelligent, good-natured kid, Bruce developed a quick wit and a love of drums. He could inspire a smile on even the most committed curmudgeon's face and gladly lent his talents to many bands.

During his high school years, Bruce not only concentrated on his studies, but he also participated in sports. He enjoyed pole vaulting, football, and diving. After graduating from Bay City Central High School, he attended Delta College in Bay City. To help pay for college, he took an entire year off from school. During that year he worked on an oil rig, and on the ski slopes and golf course of Boyne Mountain. He especially enjoyed his time at Boyne as it put him in close proximity to Petoskey where many of his aunts, uncles, and cousins lived. In time, Bruce transferred to Central Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Education.

Bruce had the good fortune of being set up on a fateful blind date by his sisters. He met his date at Valley Lanes in Midland. Despite his sisters' good intentions, it turned out that the young woman was not a match. However, while at the alley, Bruce soon found his attentions drawn to another beautiful bowler. Instantly smitten, Bruce took it upon himself to get to know her, and in little time, he and Mary Ann Wazny were officially dating. On August 18, 1979, Bruce and Mary Ann married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Midland, officially beginning their 41, years together.

Though Bruce and Mary Ann never bowled again once married, they shared a lovely partnership that was blessed with four children. Rachel, Matthew, Christy, and Jacob were Bruce's pride and joy. With Mary Ann at his side, Bruce worked to create a loving and supportive home for his children. Bruce's strong faith and love for God provided a firm foundation upon which he built his family life. Whether helping his children with their school work, teaching them to fish, gardening, golfing, chasing waterfalls, or playing the drums, Bruce always led by example instilling strong morals and values in his children. As his children grew into adulthood and blessed him with grandchildren, Bruce welcomed his new role with signature honor and dedication.

Bruce began his teaching career at St. Casimir in Posen, MI where he taught math and science and was a basketball coach. He then taught at St. Joseph the Worker School in Beal City where he also coached basketball. For the majority of his career, Bruce taught science at Lakeview Middle School. For 29 years, Bruce passionately gave of himself as an educator, mentor, leader, and friend. He believed his first and most important responsibility was to always remember there was no content more important than the relationships he nurtured with each and every young person he served. Though an expert in math and science, his true mastery was in the school of Life. Bruce recognized the potential power of his influence and never lost sight of his commitment to empowering others. His consistent good nature, warm smile, and quick wit provided fertile soil from which each person, who was blessed to share time with him, was sure to grow.

After retiring from teaching in 2010, Bruce decided to work for Rowley Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant where he was the office manager until 2018. When not working, he and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He was also a member and volunteer at Mt. Pleasant Community Church where he played drums for the worship team.

Clearly, it is hard to imagine a world absent of Bruce's calm, steadfast presence. His unwavering faith and loyal friendship will be missed beyond measure. And, while his days with us were far too few, may we find comfort in knowing that with each moment we cast our line, discover a new waterfall, give freely of our time and talents, and reflect the goodness in others, we carry Bruce's loving legacy forward in our own lives. In so doing, Bruce's love and light will continue to inspire countless others as he has so inspired us.

Bruce Miiller, 68, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at MidMichigan Medical Center Gratiot in Alma. Bruce is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann; four children, Rachel (Nick) Fussman of Mt. Pleasant, Matthew (Samantha Green) Miiller of Macomb Township, Christy (Travis) Hilton of Republic, MO, and Jacob Miiller of Mt. Pleasant; eight grandchildren, Spencer, Natalie, Benjamin, Logan, and Hazel Fussman and Eleanor, Margaret, and Vivian Miiller; one grandchild on the way; siblings, Edward Miiller, Marlene (Mike) Hulbert, David Miiller, Mark (Patty) Miiller, Kurt (Lisa) Miiller, and Greg (Lori) Miiller; brother-in-law, Dennis Milliman; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred; sister, Karen Milliman; infant brother, Larry; stepfather, Robert Ohlrogge; and niece, Melissa Hulbert. A private family service is being held for Bruce. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Care Store or Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. Envelopes will be available at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family or to sign the online guest book please visit www.CharlesRLux.com