Philip Dean Miller

Philip D. "Phil" Miller of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on October 5, 2025, from cancer. He was as efficient in death as he was in life, passing just five days after his diagnosis and three days in a hospice facility, where he was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, with no regrets and a life fully lived. Phil was born September 25, 1943, to Howard and Martha Miller of Zeeland. He was the last of three children, following his brother Jack and his sister Connie. He was, by all accounts, an active child, always on the prowl for adventure or mischief. He was also a hard worker, working since age 10 for Howard Miller Clock Company, first mowing their lawn and then working in different departments of the company after school and during summers starting at the age of 14. Phil graduated from Zeeland High School in 1961, then Hope College in 1965, including a summer spent in New York as a stock runner on Wall Street. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1966. After business school, he joined Howard Miller Clock Company full-time and remained there until his retirement in 2008. Phil and his brother Jack managed Howard Miller for many years, diversifying the company, acquiring international affiliates, and growing it into the largest clock company in the world. Phil also served on the boards of several other companies, including ODL in Zeeland, and as chairman of the International Housewares Association. Though Phil took great pleasure and pride in growing and managing a business, his greatest passions were his family and service to others. Phil met the love of his life, Nancy Sonneveldt, through a co-worker who happened to be Nancy's cousin. It was, in the view of most, an unlikely pairing between Phil, an exuberant and extroverted businessman, and Nancy, who was a college professor with a Ph.D. in American literature, three years older, and every bit as reserved as Phil was outgoing. Even Nancy had her doubts, as she declined a date three times before a persistent Phil convinced her to go out to dinner with him. Eventually, he won her over, and "Clock and Doc", as they were known by their friends, wed in January of 1970 and formed a remarkable partnership for the next 55 years. Nancy was the greatest source of Phil's joy and the object of his deepest affection and respect. Last week, from his hospice bed, Phil declared Nancy as "beautiful as she had ever been." After Nancy, Phil's greatest joy was his family: three children and their spouses - Christopher (Amanda) Miller of Oak Park, IL, Derek (Sunmee) Miller of Washington DC, and Melinda (Christopher Cochran) Miller of Holland, and four grandchildren (Anna, Philip, Esther, and Collin) - to whom he taught the values of family, generosity, and service through example. Deeply motivated by his Christian faith, Phil was committed to philanthropy, service, and community work. Throughout his lifetime, he volunteered his time and talents to many organizations in the West Michigan community, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hope College, the board of directors of Bethany Christian Services, and as elder, deacon, and vice-president of Christ Memorial Church, his spiritual home for over 50 years. In retirement, he remade himself with new service projects, including several terms on the Board of Public Works and working to revitalize housing in Holland with organizations like Jubilee Ministries and Homecor. Phil had the rare ability to engage and connect with anyone. He was often described as "charming", but behind the charm was genuine curiosity and interest. Phil could see the best in people, and was always quick to offer advice, share wisdom, and give sincere compliments and jovial affirmations that will be missed. A memorial service for Phil is planned for 11:00am Friday, October 10, at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road, Holland. Dr. Felix Theonugraha will officiate. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, October 9 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. The Miller family asks that rather than sending flowers or a donation in his name, that those wishing to honor Phil pay it forward with time or resources to a local organization that is meaningful to them. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.

Tributes

Philip Dean Miller

September 25, 1943 - October 5, 2025