“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
John Gordon Mills passed away peacefully January 29, 2013 in Grand Rapids, MI at the age of 80 years. He was born on March 30, 1932 in Detroit, MI to the late Arthur and Violet Mills, and baptized into the Christian faith in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Joan (Lemke), whom he met while attending Western Michigan University. The couple married on August 18, 1956. They have two sons, Paul (Margaret) of Munger and Neil (Lisa) of Lowell. The family moved from Utica to Antrim County in 1968, where John was employed by Bellaire Log Homes. He went on to teach Industrial Arts for Charlevoix Public Schools for 18 years. A gifted builder, he was always working on projects that ranged from houses and boats, to furniture and wooden toys for his fifteen grandchildren. An active member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Mancelona, John served as an Elder and leader for many years. He also served with the Boy Scouts, and as a volunteer on mission journeys to the Canadian interior. In addition to his wife and sons, John is survived by his sister, Joan Brunett, of Lake Orion and a brother, Norman (Dorothy) Mills, of Davisburg; grandchildren Calina, Ian, Aja, Forrest, Nigel, Matteus, Kateri, Isaac, Malachi, Laurine, Kolbe, Lucia, Levi, Sarah, and Mercedes; and two sisters-in-law, Claudia (Carl) Arko, Port Huron, and Lorna Phillips, Pewaukee, WI. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, on M-21 halfway between Lowell and Saranac. Pastor Joe Fremer officiating. One hour visitation prior to the service. Memorials can be made to Lutheran Indian Ministries (www.lutheranmissionariesandpilots.org).