Max Miller

Max Miller, 91, died at his home in Union Gap on April 19, 2015. He was born and grew up in Genoa, Neb. He proudly served in the U.S. military (WWII) and later attended the University of Nebraska on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in Engineering. Max was married to Doris Kuhn in 1949. Together they lived in Genoa where they farmed, growing corn and doing commercial hay baling. In 1950, Max entered the new Veterans’ Hospital in Grand Island, Neb., and underwent a series of surgeries to remove cancers and most of his colon, while Doris stayed with her parents a short distance away. Max was finally released from the hospital in early 1951. Very soon they learned of Perry Trade School in Yakima, and made the move here for Max to acquire skill in carpentry. In Yakima they found a small house priced at $900. He attempted to borrow the down payment from his mother in Nebraska but she refused, saying, “Earn the money yourselves and you will appreciate it more.” And they did, living frugally in Union Gap, Doris working picking fruit, and both working at night in the canneries. After the time at Perry Trade, they followed the fruit harvests together, beginning in California and up through Oregon and Washington. When not harvesting, they ran a small loan service from their home, and began making investments. Utilizing his carpentry skill, Max began a series of building projects on their land in Union Gap. He salvaged lumber and various materials from buildings being torn down in Yakima, including the Miller Building, from which he kept the large MILLER sign and mounted it on the front of their home. In addition, they built six houses. Having become a collector of old cars, he constructed garage space for 23 antiques, most of which he had restored himself. He and Doris were especially fond of his 1917 Model A Speedster which they drove in many parades in this area, dressed appropriately for that era. At one time they owned 60 cars and trucks, kept mostly in garages they had built together. An intriguing hobby of Max’s was growing the tallest corn stalks ever seen. Entry of his prize stalks at the Yakima Fair was an annual event. Becoming avid travelers, Max and Doris toured all 50 states, driving one motor home 177,000 miles. They made annual visits to each of their hometowns in Nebraska. Eventually, they became world travelers, touring within most of the continents. They flew over 700,000 miles on United Airlines, achieving a million miles with frequent flyer miles included. In addition, they enjoyed several ocean cruises. Eventually, poor health prevented Doris from travel, and Max would then invite a friend to accompany him when he had the urge to travel. Max was preceded in death by Doris in 2009, and by their premature infant son in 1950. There was a young picker named Max. Saved everything; still had his first pair of slacks. If you think that’s eccentric, he’ll show you the burnt wick, from the first candle ever made out of wax! To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Max Miller, please visit our flower store.