Norman J. Miller, 89, of Longmeadow Village Drive, Niles, and a former longtime resident of Fir Road, Niles died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 at Riveridge Manor, Niles following an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 2, 1921 in Milton Township to Joseph R. Miller and Bertha A. (Reum) Miller. He was a lifetime resident of Niles.

He retired in 1971 from Uniroyal in Mishawaka. He was a member of the former First Christian Church in South Bend, where he was an active member and served as a deacon.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army. He was also a member of the Audubon Society of Cass County and the Golden Age Club in Edwardsburg. While at Edwardsburg High School, he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He enjoyed gardening.

He married Kathleen Louise (Griffith) Miller on Oct. 24, 1945 in Niles.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons, Marc J. (Cynthia) Miller of Kinston, N.C. and Neal N. (Linda) Miller of Newnan, Ga.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Dr. William Wasner of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ officiating.

Burial was at Smith’s Chapel Cemetery in Niles.

Friends called at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Edwardsburg Historical Society of Hospice of Cass County.