Born: May 16, 1946

Died: April 24, 2013

Michael R. Miller, 66, of South Bend passed away this past Wednesday afternoon in RiverCrest Specialty Hospital, Mishawaka, after a battle with multiple myeloma.

Mr. Miller was born May 16, 1946, in Niles to the late Florence (Finn) and Lloyd D. Miller and was a lifetime area resident moving to South Bend in 1984. On June 6, 1981, in South Bend, he married Gail Jensen, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Elise Sorensen (Joel) and Elizabeth “Betsey” Miller, both of South Bend; two sons, Nicholas Miller and Kyle Miller, both of South Bend; a grandson, David Sorensen; two sisters, Virginia Hall (Larry), of Niles, and Nancy Austin (Charles), of Dallas, Texas; three brothers, Herbert Miller (Mary Lou), of Niles, Leslie Miller, of Baton Rouge, La., and Melvin Miller (Victoria), of Orlando, Fla.; and Gail’s parents, Joyce and Don Jensen; and a sister, Gwen Jensen, with whom he had a special relationship. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lloyd D. Miller Jr.

Michael was a graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in history and Indiana University with a master’s degree in special education. He retired as a special education teacher after 30 years in the Niles Community Schools and 11 ½ years in the South Bend Community School Corporation. He loved to entertain anybody with his amazing stories and had a zest for life.

He was a fabulous cook and never wanted any guests of his to go without, even if that meant a visit from the firefighters of Portage because his cooking got a little out of hand. His puppy dog, Oreo, especially loved Michael’s treats. Michael was a lifelong learner and enjoyed nothing more but to sit in his easy chair and read newspaper after newspaper.

Being a special education teacher for 40 years and a member of the National Education Association, he has always been loved by his students and proved to be very entertaining in the classroom, often giving unique, fun nicknames to these kiddos. His family and friends will miss Michael immensely, especially when a Bee Gee’s or Johnny Mathis tune plays on the radio.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 29, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., with the Rev. Dexter Garman officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. The family received friends from 2 until 6 p.m. April 28 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Millhouse, 25600 Kelly Rd., South Bend, IN, 46614. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.