Dennis Duane Miller passed away unexpectedly at home on October 15, 2024. He was the youngest child of Emanuel and Rose (Geiger) Miller, born December 11, 1946, in Spokane, Washington. He was raised there on the family farm.
After he finished high school, Dennis followed his big brother’s example and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He was stationed at Adak Island, Alaska, then Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, where a fellow Coastie introduced Dennis to his wife of 56 years, Drummond Island girl, Carol Lee Seaman. At the completion of his Coast Guard commitment, Dennis began working for Soo Line Railroad as a switchman and conductor. He enjoyed that job for many years until he had to decide to uproot his family and move to stay with the railroad or look for new work in the Sault. He chose the latter, for Carol, John, and Jeremy, and became maintenance man and custodian at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District where he worked for twenty years.
Dennis was a loyal friend and helpful neighbor; Cub Scout leader, women's softball coach and kid-sitter, and handyman to widowed little ladies. He enjoyed his roles as Chief Cook for day-to-day meals and Head Chef for holidays and special gatherings, ensuring everyone was happy and well-fed. He was Doctor Denny when we needed chicken soup or a bandage. He was a proud grandpa, a Michigan Tech Husky for Wyatt and a Ferris State Bulldog for Ali. He was our fierce protector and wise advisor. He suffered with poor health in recent years which made mobility very difficult, but he still watched out for us from his front window in our Millerville. Now he will watch over us from above
Dennis is survived by his wife Carol, son John (Lisa), and grandchildren, Wyatt and Alexandra; brother, Richard (Sandi); sister, Ardella Quaale; sister-in-law, Cheryl Maury; brothers-in-law, Eldon (Vivienne) Seaman, Tom (Kathy) Seaman, and Bob Schaefer.
Dennis was preceded in death by his son Jeremy; parents, Emanual and Rose; father and mother-in-law, Eldon and Melissa Seaman; brothers, Marlo and Lyle (Gayle); sisters, Verdella Schaefer and Karen Miller; brother-in-law, Richard Maury; and chosen family, Margarete VanSlingerland.
A Memorial Gathering to remember and celebrate Dennis will be held at the cabin on Drummond Island at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis’s memory to the Drummond Island Ambulance Corp, P.O. Box 392 Drummond Island, MI 49726.
Thank you to Chippewa County Central Dispatch, City of Sault Sainte Marie Fire and Ambulance, and City of Sault Ste. Marie Police Department, who responded to our emergency with professionalism, patience, and compassion.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
