Jack Utley Miller

JACK UTLEY MILLER

Age 89 years, of Hesperia, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at his home with family.  Jack was born April 20, 1930, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Closson and Mabel (Utley) Miller.  The following year they moved to the family farm near Hesperia.  He grew up on the farm and graduated from Hesperia High School. 

On November 26, 1948 he married Evelyn (Evy) Ensing, and they were happily married for 67 years, until Evy’s death on April 9, 2016. 

On October 1, 1956, he joined the staff of the State Bank of Hesperia and was promoted to an Officer in 1958.  In May of 1965 he was named Chief Executive Officer.  In 1967 he was elected to the Board of Directors.  After 34 years with the bank, he retired on October 1, 1990, as President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he had held for many years.

Jack found great joy in spending time with his family, whom he loved deeply.  He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and history.  He was an avid deer hunter and traveled north to deer camp every year for 65 years, the last 35 of which he was joined by his two sons. He was an active member of the Hesperia Presbyterian Church for 74 years.  He also participated in numerous community organizations and projects. 

Jack will be greatly missed by his surviving four children: Lynette (Alan) Daniels, Brenda (Randy) Welsh, Rodney (Cheryl) Miller, and Gregory (Dody) Miller; as well as his seven grandchildren: Kristen (Andrew) Worcester, Jolene (Brian) Paauwe, Wesley (Melissa) Miller, JenaLee (Justin) Zeerip, Jalayne, Calvin, and Chace Miller; great grandchildren Naleigh Paauwe, Evelyn Miller, Ryland Worcester, his namesake Jack Zeerip, Rowen Worcester, and Leopold Miller; step-grandchildren Chad and Adam Welsh; step great-grandchildren Logan Paauwe, Trinden Worcester, and Mina Welsh; extended family members Elena (Benjamin) Harrison, Caleb, Mason, and Levi Harrison; sisters Betty (VanAelst) Seaton and Sally (Charles) Kempf. 

Visitation will be held at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home in Fremont on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at the Hesperia Presbyterian Church.  Interment will be at East Hesperia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hesperia Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. 

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