Leon Emmanuel Miller
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Leon Emmanuel Miller, also known as "Lee" and "Red", was born to Emmanuel and Ottilie (Blum) Miller on August 24, 1931.
He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949. He served in the Korean War from 1952-1954, 14 months in North Korea. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 1137, American Legion 568, Papasan-Mamasan, Korean War Veterans of S.W. MI.
On October 16, 1954 he married Diane Ardys Leitz, a farm girl from Sodus, Michigan, the love of his life. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before her passing away in 2013. They became proud parents of 5 children: Leon A. (Lisa Campbell), Washington, MI, Cynthia A. Miller, Newport, RI, Twin daughters, Terri A. Prillwitz (Phillip), FL, Sherri A. Miller, St. Joseph, MI, and Beth A. Prillwitz (Rodney), Eau Claire, MI.
He was employed at Whirlpool Corporation for 22 years. In the early 70's he and Diane opened Blossomland Fruit Market on M-139 in Benton Harbor, MI, which was open for about ten years. During that time, he also hauled and sold local produce to the Detroit Eastern Market for 26 years during harvest season until he retired. After retirement he and his wife traveled the United States and 38 countries of the world. They traveled many times to Germany to visit family members. He enjoyed growing flowers, researching the family genealogy and, along with his wife, entertaining visitors from their many vacations. He often could be found daily reading his newspapers and drinking coffee at McDonalds or Meijers.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Emmanuel and Ottilie Miller; Sister, Natalie Anderson (Glenn); Brother, Albert Miller (Lorraine); and a grandson, Lester Young. He is survived by his children; Sister, Elizabeth Dwan (Edwin); Granddaughter, Elyse Miller; Grandson, Nathan Miller; and many nephews and nieces.
As a committed Lutheran it was his desire that any memorial donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church 3590 Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph or Michigan Lutheran High School 615 E. Marquette Woods Rd., St. Joseph. Funeral service for Leon will be held at 11am on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Online condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected].