John Millard

John “Jack” Millard, age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, February 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by sister, Marjorie McGrew. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Alice Millard; children Jon (Janet) Millard, Jim (Joan) Millard, Ruth (Craig) Smith, Sue (Ed) Hillyer, Mary (Dave) Cook, Marjorie (Ken) Medja, Mark (Deborah) Millard, Betty (Scott) Flak; grandchildren Michelle (Jeff) Davis, Jason Millard, Kimberly (Sam) Torres, Jessie (Dexter) Basto, Jodi Millard, Jamie Eikenhout, Jackie (Steve) Carrier, Jena Millard, Rebekah Smith, Andrew (Colin) Smith, Heather (Mike) Zimmerman, Matthew Hillyer (Chris Parkinson), Jennifer (Moises) Medja-Sanchez, Joseph (Amanda) Medja, Mitchell Millard, Spencer Millard, Lauryn Flak, Connor Flak, Lindsey Flak; 34 great-grandchildren; siblings Karl (Jean) Millard, Ben McGrew; longtime friends Tom and Arlene Robinson; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

John retired from DTE Energy as a section leader after 30 years of service. He will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, fly fishing and hunting, having many adventures in Alaska, Canada, the Upper Peninsula, and even on his own 30 acres we called “the farm.” These adventures gave him ample content for the stories he loved to tell. He tied flies, made his own bamboo rods and forayed into the fishing guide business. He always had a loyal beagle hound hunting dog at his side. He was a resourceful “Jack of all trades” ready to help when needed, sharing his skills and knowledge. John was a talented trumpeter, playing in church services and often serenaded his neighbors with impromptu performances. In retirement, he was a hobby farmer, planting a few seasons of crops, raising a few chickens (most recently a rooster he named Cockameme) and tending his orchard. He loved his tractor and riding mowers and he rode them frequently on his property (and to Moline!). He was still cutting down trees and bucking it up for heating his home at the age of 89. He enjoyed nothing more than a glowing fire in the stove in his home or cabin and good beef steaks cooking over them. When he turned 70, he discovered a passion for oil painting and many were honored to receive gifts of his work. Unlikely as it may seem, it wasn’t uncommon for him to recite poetry. He proudly served our country in the Korean conflict.

Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2022 with an hour of visitation prior at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th St., Dorr. Pastor Lance Laker will officiate. In honor of John and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookdorr.com.