Obituaries

David Stanley Miller, age 83, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died on November 14, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 7, 1942, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Walter S. and Lorraine Carolyn (Cleaver) Miller.

Dave grew up on Drummond Island, and during his senior year of high school he made the decision to leave school and enlist in the United States Army. He was stationed in France and Germany, where he proudly earned his GED while serving his country. After three years of service, Dave was honorably discharged and returned home to Drummond Island.

On March 18, 1967, he married Patricia “Patsy” Elaine Laakso in Dearborn, Michigan, where Patsy was working at the time. The couple later returned to Drummond Island, where they built their life together and started their family. Dave went on to work for the Drummond Island Quarry, dedicating more than thirty years to the company.

Dave loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time hunting, fishing, and trapping. Above all, he cherished the time he shared with his family and friends.

Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patsy; daughter, Robbie Valez of Apache Junction, Arizona; son, Steven (Megan) Miller of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; daughter, Jolene (Tim Matkovich) Miller of Cheboygan, Michigan; and son, John (Tara) Miller of Drummond Island; grandchildren, Johnny (Whitney Wilson) Miller, Heather Miller, Amber (Justin Flowers) Matkovich, Kyle Matkovich, Drew (Ben) Valez and Allyssa (fiancé, Tyler Robinson) Miller; great-grandchildren, Mya Gruno, Makayla Miller and Belle; brother, Joseph (Lori) Miller; brother-in-law, Bill (Sandy) Laakso; and sister-in-law, Sherie Bailey.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lorraine; baby brother, Steven Miller; brother, Jack (Julie) Miller, son-in-law, Jamie Valez; in-laws, Eino and Helen Laakso; brother-in-law, Ronald (Dee) Laakso, sister-in-law, Mary Laakso; and brother-in-law, Richard Bailey.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11:30 to 12:00 Noon followed by the Memorial Service at 12:00 Noon at Lighthouse Christian Church, 29898 E. Pine St., Drummond, MI 49726.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to McLaren Home Care & Hospice, 360 Connable Ave., Petoskey, MI 49770.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to McLaren Hospice, especially Nancy, Tina, and Lacey, for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided this past year.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.