John Lewis Miller

“We are born to cruise for but a while on this trackless sea; until one day we sail away into infinity."

John Lewis Miller, age 84, passed away at home on Saturday, October 1, 2022 cheering the beloved Buckeyes on to victory. He was born in Toledo on June 5, 1938 to Ira and La Dell (Schorling) Miller. He attended Nathan Hale Elementary School before moving to Hillsdale, Michigan where he graduated from Hillsdale High School. John loved sharing stories about his teenage years which included fond memories of boating, fishing, his dog, Flag, and waterskiing on Baw Beese Lake with friends. John attended Wittenberg University where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and met his beloved wife, Nancy, in embryology class. Upon graduation they were wed in Wittenberg’s Hamma Chapel on his birthday and spent over 62 wonderful years together. John went on to have a very successful career with Owens-Illinois Inc. in the Plastic Products Division for 40 years. These years included 10 marvelous moves from the East Coast to the West Coast and back. He was an avid fisherman and loved his boating life, taking many fishing trips and cruises with family and friends. Another favorite pastime was feeding and observing the variety of birds that frequented his backyard. He instilled his love of boating with his children and proudly became Commadore of Toledo Yacht Club in 1999. Family was always his number one priority and being with his 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren was his greatest joy. Much to his delight his grandchildren called him “Bear” which stayed with him throughout his life.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children: Gail (John) Brenner, Greg (Maria) Miller and Lori (Mark) Rhonemus; grandchildren: Emily Miller, Pauline Brenner, Margaret Miller, Emma Rhonemus, Ellen Miller, Elizabeth Rhonemus, Chad (Joslyn) Brenner, Lyndsy Brenner (Joel) Taritas; great grandchildren: Evelyn Taritas, Beau Taritas; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, William Miller.

A “Celebration of John’s Life” will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Sylvania United Church of Christ, 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania OH.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Toledo Northwest Ohio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of their choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Walker Funeral Home, Toledo.

Online condolences may be made at walkerfuneralhomes.com