Kenneth (Ken, Kenny) James Miller, 89, of Bronson passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility surrounded by his family.
A memorial service will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson, officiated by Pastor Jim Erwin.
A memorial gathering of friends and family will take place prior to the service from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Interment will take place in the spring at East Gilead Cemetery.
Ken was born September 21, 1936 in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Frank and Cora (Palmer) Miller.
Ken graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Waneta Ferris. They settled in Bronson, MI and celebrated 70 years of marriage in May.
Ken is survived by his wife, Waneta Miller; his children Darrell Miller, Teresa (Ron) Miller, Brian (Colleen) Miller, Joyce (Morris) Ross, Jean (Gabe) Genaw; 21 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Cora Mae Miller; his stepmother Lucille; his sisters June Head, May Earhardt, and Pat Reed; his daughters Patricia, Sherry Thompson and her husband Lyle Thompson.
Ken was a hard-working individual starting as a farmhand, milkman, maintenance man at General Cable. This accumulated into over a 30-year career at Kirsh Company in Sturgis, MI, where he worked as a Tool & Die maintenance worker retiring in 1998.
Ken had a strong love for football which started when he played an undefeated season at Battle Creek Central High School. He founded the Bronson Rocket Football program in 1976. He also coached special teams for Bronson Jr and Sr High School, Olivet College, and various schools. He impacted thousands of youths over his coaching career. He also coached wrestling at Bronson Jr. and Sr. High School.
Ken built and drove the sweet 16 race car at Butler Speedway in 1968, forming longtime friendships.
Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on trips. Highlights include deer hunting on his farm, salmon fishing at Berrien Springs, MI, trips to Niagara Falls, Soo Locks, Bryce Canyon, the Upper Peninsula, and so many more. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in multiple sports and showing horses.
Memorials may be directed to the Bronson Athletic Boosters and Bronson Rocket Football.
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