Gregory Mark Miller, 72, of Onekama, Michigan died peacefully at his home with his loving wife Karen by his side on September 29, 2026. He was the 8th of 14 children born to J. Martin and Eleanor Miller on March 23, 1954.

Upon learning he had an incurable cancer in February of 2025, Greg decided to challenge his diagnosis, doing whatever it took to extend his life to the fullest. With medical help, his deep faith, his wife Karen, his family, and many friends, he beat the odds of how much longer he would live. This would be his final challenge and for the past 20 months he valiantly woke up each morning thanking Jesus for another day. Even though he often said, “I’ve had a good life,” those who knew him weren’t surprised that he wasn’t ready to give up.

Greg had a competitive spirit since childhood. It wasn’t surprising that he went on to be a fine athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and track. Greg attended Onekama and Guardian Angels elementary schools, Manistee Catholic Central, and graduated from Manistee High School in 1973. In his adult life he loved the game of golf. In his spare time, he could be found playing at many local courses, as well as several courses in Florida during winter vacations, but his favorites were the Arcadia Bluffs courses.

On September 15, 1979, Greg married Karen Schubert at St. Joseph Church in Manistee. They were happy to recently celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary with some members of their bridal party. He was determined not to pass away before or on their anniversary. Greg loved the land and wanted to have his own fruit farm so together they purchased a fruit farm near his homestead north of Onekama two days before their wedding. As much as they wanted children that was not to be. The silver lining was there were many nephews, nieces, and neighborhood children to share wonderful times with.

Before farmer markets were popular, you could find Greg and Karen on Saturdays in the Fall selling their apples along with other produce at the Dairy Queen parking lot in Manistee. Greg was also a vendor at farmers markets in Cadillac and Traverse City. Eventually, Greg and his brother Rob opened their own fruit market on the corner of M22 and 11 Mile Road just north of Onekama serving their customers at that location for over 25 years. The brothers were working on a legacy to their parents, and they proudly achieved their goal.

Greg’s Catholic faith was very important to him. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church in Onekama. Over the years he served as a member of the St. Joseph Pastoral Council and the Cemetery Board. Greg also served as an Usher for over 20 years. When recently asked if there was something he would like to be remembered for, he stated that when he was young, he recalled a conversation with his father who said “it is better to give than to receive”. Greg said he never forgot those words and believed in the prayer of St. Francis. He gave abundantly to so many in need and never spoke about it.

Greg is survived by his loving wife Karen; four sisters, Joan Oswald, Mary Orth, Darlene Miller and Michele (Walter) Smalley; six brothers, Thomas, Martin (Mickey) (Suzanne), Peter (Sallie), Philip, (Lynn), Steven, and Robert (Jane) Miller. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Mark (Betty) and Todd (Diane) Schubert. He leaves behind over 30 beloved nieces and nephews and 30 great nieces and nephews. The Miller family Christmas gathering will not be the same without their Uncle Greg serving as master of ceremonies.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, J. Martin and Eleanor Miller, his brothers Chester, Gerald and Paul Miller, brother-in-law Sam Oswald and sister-in-law Bonnie Miller along with his father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Patricia Schubert, and brother-in-law Jeffrey Schubert.

Greg was overwhelmed by the love and support he and Karen received from family and friends during his cancer journey, along with the excellent care he received from the medical teams and personnel of Manistee Hospital, Munson Medical Center, the Manistee Cancer and Infusion Center, and Hospice of Michigan.

Near the end Greg often recalled the 2nd letter of Paul to Timothy (4:7) “I have run the race, I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith”. We pray our Jesus has welcomed Greg by saying, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master”. (Matthew 25:23).

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday October 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama with Father Brad Nursey celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Onekama. The family will receive friends at the Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee on Monday, October 5th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. The rosary will be prayed Monday at 3:30 p.m. and the evening vigil will be prayed Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. with Father James Bearss.

Those wishing to make a donation in Greg’s memory may wish to consider St. Joseph Church (Onekama) Cemetery Fund, the Manistee Cancer and Infusion Center, and Hospice of Michigan.

Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Cremation Service in Manistee.