Obituary of Steve Miletich

Steve Miletich August 20, 1923 - May 11, 2012 Steve Miletich was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 20, 1923. He was the only son born from the union of the late Milan Miletich and the late Anja (Oklejas) Miletich. Steve served his country honorably in the United States Army as a Paratrooper and Gliderman during World War II. He survived numerous glider landings under enemy fire that contributed to a high casualty rate for his assigned units. Some of the more famous airborne operations that he was involved in were Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. Later at the war's end he met the love of his life Alice Reuter in Germany. After a short courtship they made history by becoming the first GI/ German marriage of the war on December 5, 1945. Together they would return to the U.S. on a nine day cruise experiencing tough weather and rough Atlantic seas. Steve was employed by General Motors at their Willow Run Powertrain plant for more than thirty-one years, retiring in 1980. Steve was of the highest moral character, cherished the sacraments, and was a faithful member of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. He was a generous individual since he grew up with very little. He was a private person, loving his family, and his home. Steve had a childlike innocence. He was thoughtful, always professing to his family, "I love you". He loved his dogs and his poodle mix, Romeo, was spoiled. He enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting with his son, Daryl. Steve also loved to dance and travel with his bride, Alice. Together they travelled throughout Europe and many of the fifty states. Steve was very creative. He enjoyed woodworking and drew his own blueprints for the model planes he built, instead of purchasing kits. He built toys for his children and grandchildren and loved home improvement and working around the house. He was a regular handyman. Steve was a member of the American Legion Post 162 in Luzerne, Michigan, the Monroe VFW Post 1138, the National Rifle Association, and the Germania Club in Brownstown. Steve Miletich age 88 passed away at 1:31pm, Friday at his home under the remarkable and compassionate care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. To cherish his memory Steve leaves a beloved wife of 67 years: Alice of Monroe; two children: Eileen (David) Childs of Tecumseh and Daryl Miletich of Mio; four grandchildren: Maranda (Wesley) Daniels, Arron Childs, Christopher (Anne) Miletich, and Stephanie (Derek) Lindsay; nine great grandchildren: Alex, Justin, Kyra, Katie, Steven, Lance, Zachary, Luke, and David. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Merkle Funeral Service (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Holy Ghost Church or Mercy Memorial Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.