Francis Vernon Miller

Francis was born on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 1932, in Homestead to the late Everett and Edith (Ringblom) Miller. He was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Class of 1950. After graduation Francis worked for the Co-op for a couple years before enlisting with the US Army in 1952. While in the army he served as a combat engineer in Germany, sparking his interest in mechanics, and was also invited to join the Army Band.

Francis completed his education as a diesel mechanic after his service in the army. He married the mother of his children, Marilyn Frank, and later married Constance Fredrickson. On June 16, 2001, Francis married Beverly Dunbar, and they shared almost 23 years together.

Francis worked several positions including at the White Pine Mine, the uranium mine in White Sands, N.M., Drott Tractor in Milwaukee, the Miller Family Dairy, and ultimately as a bus driver and custodian for Kingsford Schools before retirement.

Francis was a hard worker who loved spending his time gardening, woodworking and camping. He was also a talented musician and had a passion for horses. His beautiful and award-winning horse drawn carriage and sleigh was made by hand. Francis will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, big heart and his callused helping hands.

Francis will be deeply missed by his wife, Beverly; four children, Pamela Miller (Dale Bilski) and her children, Jim, Aaron and Dianna; Deborah Renee Miller and her children, Elizabeth and Jessica; Vernon Francis (Kari) Miller and their children, Crystal and Dustin; and Daniel (Jenny) Miller; four stepchildren, Gary (Maureen) Curci and their children Erin, Shaun, Donovan and Shannon; Barry (Cindy) Curci and their children Michelle and Gina; Jill Curci and her children, Raymon and Eric; and Anthony (Julie) Curci and their children, Nathan and Vincent; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, Darrel Miller and Dale (Marlene) Miller; brother-in-law, John Dunbar; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Constance, Francis is preceded in death by a sister, Vernell and brother-in-law, Don Gendron; sister-in-law, Joan Miller; a stepson, Dale Curci; stepgranddaughter, Lisa; and sister-in-law, Betty Dunbar.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 395 Hamilton Ave. in Kingsford, on Saturday, March 9, with Pastor Bob Malsack officiating the funeral service at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery at 2 p.m. with full military honors.

Francis’ family would like to thank the entire crew at Dickinson Home Health for their excellent care.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Francis Vernon Miller online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.