Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rev. E.J. Miller

March 7, 1928 - July 26, 2008

South Nend Tribune 7/28/2008
MISHAWAKA - Reverend E.J. Miller, 80, was called home by our Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 26, 2008, following a lengthy illness. Fr. Miller was born March 7, 1928, to John and Veronica (Leis) Miller in Bismarck, Ohio. At a young age, he felt God's call and left home to begin his priestly studies at Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio. After being ordained into the priesthood, he faithfully served his calling in the Fort Wayne, IN, diocese for over 50 years.

Fr. Miller served for 17 years at St. Joseph parish in Mishawaka, IN. His duties then took him to St. Joseph parish in Roanoke, IN, followed by St. Vincent parish in Fort Wayne, IN. He then served at Immaculate Conception parish in Kendallville, IN.

His final parish was Queen of Peace in Mishawaka, IN, where he served as pastor for the last 15 years of his formal priesthood. Following his retirement from his pastoral life in 2003, Fr. Miller lived in Rome City, IN, at his little cottage on Jones Lake. He especially enjoyed being able to help his fellow priests by giving them a reprieve and was able to serve people in the way he most enjoyed. At the time he needed assisted care, he went to live in Bellevue, OH, with his sister and brother-in-law. He loved his many friends he made throughout his life. Aside from his love for the priesthood, Fr. Miller was an excellent baseball player. In his younger days, he played on teams locally as well as in Indiana. A baseball field in Fort Wayne was named "Miller Field" in his honor. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. Fr. Miller was the sixth of 10 children in his family. He is survived by Wilma Bednarz, Lakeland, FL, Bernetta Daniel, Bellevue, OH, Arden (Millie) Miller, Monroeville, OH, Harriet (Howard) Hahler, Willard, OH, Dorothy (Paul) Schaffer, Bellevue, OH, Harold (Barbara) Miller, Mishawaka, IN, and Norma (Eldon) Young, New Washington, OH. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marcella Geiger; and by a brother, John Miller.