Robert L. "Bob" Miller

Robert L “Bob” Miller, 97, lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Bob was born on June 29, 1926 to Walter and Grace (Strong) Miller.

Bob graduated from Riley High School and joined the Marines. He met and married the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty Jo) Moorman on July 5, 1952, sharing 67 years together before her passing in 2020. They were lifelong members of St. Jude Catholic Church, of which Betty Jo’s parents were founding members.

In 1962, Bob began repairing appliances out of his garage for the local community. After ten years, he was able to purchase a local Whirlpool dealer and, along with Betty Jo, began selling as well as servicing appliances. This business, which would come to be known as Bob Miller’s Appliance, would outlast many competitors, eventually moving to 2700 Ssssouth Main, Ssssouth Bend. It is still thriving today, in large part to his belief that “the customer is always right, service what you sell, and treat your customers (and everyone else) with respect.” The business continues to be run by his daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Jason. Bob retired in 1997, but continued helping and visiting the store until he passed.

First and foremost a family man, Bob loved birthdays and holidays - they were always occasions to gather for conversation, laughs, and Betty Jo’s good cooking.

Bob had a fiercely competitive spirit. He was an accomplished golfer with a 4 handicap, and while he never had a hole-in-one, he was very proud of scoring two double eagles. He took up tennis at 45, and was still playing at 90. When he was introduced to pickle ball at 92, he refused to play because “that’s for old people.”

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping with his family. His lifelong passion was fishing, and he thoroughly enjoyed tying flies. After “retiring” Bob and Betty Jo spent many years motorhoming across the country, camping, golfing, playing tennis, and snowbirding in Florida. They loved to spend time with family around a campfire, watching their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow up.

Nobody who Bob met was a stranger for long, and he is well remembered for always being there to greet you with a joke (or ten) and help you with anything you needed. His sense of humor was legendary, and everyone who met him felt special and loved.

Bob is survived by his children; Terry (Elaine) Miller of Niles and Constance (Richard Houin) Kabzinski of South Bend, daughter-in-law Lisa Miller, his grandchildren; Michael (Kristen) Miller, Nicole Miller, David (Alyssa) Miller, Jason (Caitlin) Miller, and Kaitlyn Kabzinski, and his great-grandchildren; Lucille and Brooks.

Bob was preceded in death by his bride; Betty Jo, his parents; Walter and Grace, his son; Chris Miller, grandson; Tyler Kabzinski, and his siblings; Helen Shields, Doris Schafer, and Earl Miller.

Visitation for Bob will be held from 4-7PM on Friday March 1, 2024 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Saturday March 2, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Rd. South Bend. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial Contributions in Bob’s name may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or Heart to Heart Hospice.

 Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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