Submitted by: Dan Rich

Agnes M. Miller

July 12, 1907 - June 1, 2002

South Bend Tribune 6/8/2002

Agnes M. Miller, born Agnes Vogel in Hechingen, Germany, July 12, 1907. She was the youngest of eleven children. She immigrated to the United States as a teenager and became a US citizen in 1935. Agnes and two of her sisters then lived in South Bend, Indiana.

She married Julius Petzke, March 1, 1941, and became the mother of four children, Ernie, Alfred, Elfrieda and Annie. In addition to raising a family, Agnes worked outside the home in a variety of settings that always included caring for people. They were members of Emmaus Lutheran Church in South bend, Indiana before Julius and Agnes retired to Sarasota. Florida. Julius passed away in May of 1965.

Agnes met and married her second husband, William "Bill" Miller, May 21, 1967. Together they traveled and were hosts to family and friends often. Bill passed away in January of 1985.

Blessed with good health, Agnes has been a regular traveler throughout her life. She has made five trips back to Germany to visit with cousins and other relatives. Always the life of the party, Agnes has traveled to most every family occasion and celebration back in Indiana.

Agnes moved to Sunnyside Village in 1998. She remained active in her community. Her activities included assisting at Sunnyside Nursing Home, participating at the Senior Friendship Center and being a caring member of her church. Always one to do something, Agnes enjoyed baking cookies and bread, reading, taking English lessons, making new friends and visiting with friends and family.

Agnes is one of the special people who had an outgoing personality, joyful spirit and genuine interest in everyone. She was a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Agnes is survived by a son, Alfred Petzke of Rockford, Illinois; two daughters, Mrs. K.C. Kuespert and Mrs. LaMar Parsons, both of South Bend, Indiana; a sister, Frieda S. Schramn-Trippel of Mishawaka, Indiana. Agnes is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Thursday, June 6, 2002 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood Street, Sarasota. Memorial services were immediately following visitation.

Burial followed at Palms Memorial Park, Sarasota. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood Street, Sarasota, FL 34237; Sunnyside Village Foundation, 5201 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34232; or Senior Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Greenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Palms Funeral Home, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL, was in charge of arrangements.