Wayne
Wayne A. Mills
Wayne passed away Friday, September 29, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born October 18, 1955 in Kalamazoo the son of James and Sandra (DeKam) Mills. Wayne had worked at Parker Hannifin for over 30 years. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and spending time with his family. Wayne was an active member of the Otsego United Methodist Church. On August 29, 1992 at the Otsego United Methodist Church he married Becky Bowers who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kaitlyn and Nathan Mills both of Otsego; siblings, Lynne Burnett of Orangeville, Teri Gilger, Tami Gilger and Tom Gilger along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Gail Mills and step-father, Duane Gilger.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Wayne’s family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to
Wings of Hope Hospice
or to
Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Wayne A. Mills
Condolence Messages
Terry & Char Bonnell
September 30, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, & Nathan,
We are so sorry for your loss. May the many happy memories help you through the difficult days. It was an honor to be Wayne’s friend and I will miss him a great deal. It is my prayer that you receive some comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of Jesus. May each of you also feel God’s loving embrace as you continue through this difficult journey.
Reply
Marcia Ramer
September 30, 2017 at 8:26 pm
So sorry for your loss Becky, Kate, and Nate. Wayne was so blessed to have you in his life and all of you in his. Continued prayers and strength for all as you continue the journey.
Reply
Bill Burmeister
September 30, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Nate, sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a good man and he raised a good one too. Thoughts are with you, your Mom and Sister. Time can heal but it will never let you forget. Hold on to the good and know he’s watching over you.
Reply
Josi Pape
September 30, 2017 at 9:27 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of Wayne. He was such a courageous man, and fought the battle with every single bit of his being.
May you find the strength to carry on knowing that you have many people who care, and will be there in thoughts, prayers, and love.
God be with you during this difficult time.
Reply
Bob Nicolai
September 30, 2017 at 10:14 pm
Loved the Guy… Didn’t matter if we were playing hoops, farming neighboring Farms , or at the 4H sale at the Allegan Co Fair – I always looked forward to hearing what he had to say and sharing conversation… He was a Good man… Our loss and Heavens gain. Very sorry for your loss Mills Family. God be with you in these times …
Reply
John DeKam (uncle)
October 1, 2017 at 9:24 am
Wayne was such a kind, intelligent, caring and fun man. We will all miss him, but he set an great example for all of us to remember and follow in our own lives. Becky, Kate and Nate I offer my sincere condolences. May you find peace and happiness in remembering what a great husband, father and person he was. Our good memories of him will live on. May he Rest in Peace, at home with God.
Reply
deb tate
October 1, 2017 at 10:04 am
sorry to hear for your losses. I have known wayne since the 70’s
Reply
Carol Watson
October 1, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Becky and family! Wayne and I worked together for 30 years he was and amazing man. Always kind smile and a positive word to offer. May the good Lord be with you in your time of need. Hugs and prayers!
Reply
Tom Kelsey and Alice Kelsey
October 1, 2017 at 5:31 pm
The Kelsey family sends their sincere condolences.
Reply
Jack and Sandy Seiler
October 1, 2017 at 7:52 pm
Becky, our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Reply
Marie ( Keyzer ) Turner
October 1, 2017 at 8:39 pm
So sorry for your loss . I went to school with Wayne in Martin .
Reply
Jon and Judy Griffin
October 1, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, and Nate, you have been in our thoughts and prayers for such a long time. Wayne’s legacy is strong. We know that your hearts and worlds are broken. May you find peach and comfort in the love you have for Wayne, the memories you shared, and the constant presence of our God.
Reply
Mark and Doreen Gilson
October 2, 2017 at 11:01 am
We are so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a friend in the early days of our adult lives. He was truly a kind person and fun to be around. We know he was a person that impacted many with his laughter, humor, and kind heart. He will be missed by all.
Reply
Tony and Shannon Morris
October 2, 2017 at 3:22 pm
It is with great sadness that we received the news about Wayne. I spent a lot of years admiring Wayne for who he was to his family, people in the manufacturing world, and to his friends in and out of work. He didn’t judge even those who probably deserved it. He was kind, forgiving, understanding, and fair. He worked with passion and integrity. His smile and demeanor was absolutely infectious! In my number of years working with and for Wayne and getting to know his awesome family, I somehow convinced myself that Wayne was indestructible (almost idol like). While his body may have proved not to be, I am certain his family and the people he knew and worked with can and will keep his values alive. Becky, Kaitlyn, & Nathan; you all have truly been blessed by God even as Wayne was blessed by God with you. My family prays for your continued comfort and peace.
Reply
ann Richardson
October 2, 2017 at 3:31 pm
You fought the good fight and thought of others first. Your children are a great example of the good husband and father you were. You will live in their hearts and ours.
Reply
Douglas Pierce
October 2, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Wayne was a fellow ’73 classmate at MHS. If memory serves me, he was “called” up to the varsity basketball team during playoffs at WMU. He was put in the game during the final seconds and made a “long” shot from around 1/2 court- game won!
Wayne, I’m sure now has his new body and is with our Lord in Heaven. Still sad to hear he is gone from his home here- will see him soon enough, in his heavenly home.
Reply
Joyce (Seekman) Jenkins
October 2, 2017 at 10:50 pm
Becky, I am so sorry! My sincerest sympathies to you and your family!
Reply
Lynn Durocher
October 3, 2017 at 10:27 am
Becky,
I am sorry to hear the journey has ended for Wayne. I know you and your family will celebrate him always knowing his struggle is over and he is enjoying the peace heaven offers a good man at the end of an earthly life well lived.
Lynn
Reply
Shirley Brown
October 3, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Becky and family so very sorry for your loss But know he is in the arms of the Father that he is healthy and strong once again. We sure had some good time with the gang at Parker and always enjoyed talks with Wayne. May God wrap you in his arms and grant you peace and comfort. Hold on to the good memories and that way he will live in your heart forever.
Reply
George and Mary Washburn
October 4, 2017 at 7:15 am
We are so very sorry for your loss, Wayne was a great guy. We are praying for all of you as you grieve for him. I know you miss him terribly and always will. May God give you His peace and comfort in knowing that Wayne is in heaven now with no pain or sickness.
Reply
Jerry and Marilyn Fenner
October 4, 2017 at 11:05 am
Becky:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Don and Lila Reynolds
October 4, 2017 at 11:48 am
Becky and Family… So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. For those of us who worked with him he will be remembered as the go to guy for anyone needing assistance always treating everyone with respect. He was a role model with down to earth honesty, values and respect for others. May you find peace in knowing that he touched several lives with a positive impact on all those who worked with him.
Reply
The Gray Family
October 4, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Mills Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry to hear about your loss.
The Gray Family – Elizabeth, Joel, Austin & Haylee
Reply
Lisa Imus, Matt and Clint
October 4, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Life doesn’t seem fair sometimes and this is one of those moments. Your father was one of those great guys! Keep your memories close to your heart and they will help get you though! Please let us know if there is anything we can do. You are in our thoughts and prayers!! <3
Reply
Mike & C.Lee Pavlak
October 4, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Dear Becky & Kaitlyn & Nate.. You have all battled so courageously, loved so completely, and accepted so faithfully. Praying God will continue to give you His strength and comfort and all else needed. May God bless you mightily as you place your trust in Him!!!
Reply
Christie and Curt Fontaine
October 5, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Wayne was one of the great ones. He always went above and beyond in all he did…from family to friends…from work to 4H and so much more. Wayne will always be with you Becky, Kate, Nate and Lynne. He will be dearly missed by many. ❤️
Reply
Randy Hazel
October 6, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, Nate, and Lynn
Wayne was my best friend. I would have spoken yesterday during the service but knew I’d never get the words out. I have tears writing this. I loved Wayne. He wasn’t like a brother. He was a brother. 31 years is how long we were friends. Every great memory I have for the last 31 years, other than my kids being born, has Wayne in it. Our phone conversations. Our Wayside visits. The bait pile. The “get closer” comments. The Park West Pub. There are 3 songs from that jukebox that will always remind me of Wayne. They were special before and they extra special now.
I have told my kids often that I wish they all get a friend like Wayne. He was the best.
Randy
Reply
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He was born October 18, 1955 in Kalamazoo the son of James and Sandra (DeKam) Mills. Wayne had worked at Parker Hannifin for over 30 years. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and spending time with his family. Wayne was an active member of the Otsego United Methodist Church. On August 29, 1992 at the Otsego United Methodist Church he married Becky Bowers who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kaitlyn and Nathan Mills both of Otsego; siblings, Lynne Burnett of Orangeville, Teri Gilger, Tami Gilger and Tom Gilger along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Gail Mills and step-father, Duane Gilger.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Wayne’s family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to
Wings of Hope Hospice
or to
Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Wayne A. Mills
Condolence Messages
Terry & Char Bonnell
September 30, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, & Nathan,
We are so sorry for your loss. May the many happy memories help you through the difficult days. It was an honor to be Wayne’s friend and I will miss him a great deal. It is my prayer that you receive some comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of Jesus. May each of you also feel God’s loving embrace as you continue through this difficult journey.
Reply
Marcia Ramer
September 30, 2017 at 8:26 pm
So sorry for your loss Becky, Kate, and Nate. Wayne was so blessed to have you in his life and all of you in his. Continued prayers and strength for all as you continue the journey.
Reply
Bill Burmeister
September 30, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Nate, sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a good man and he raised a good one too. Thoughts are with you, your Mom and Sister. Time can heal but it will never let you forget. Hold on to the good and know he’s watching over you.
Reply
Josi Pape
September 30, 2017 at 9:27 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of Wayne. He was such a courageous man, and fought the battle with every single bit of his being.
May you find the strength to carry on knowing that you have many people who care, and will be there in thoughts, prayers, and love.
God be with you during this difficult time.
Reply
Bob Nicolai
September 30, 2017 at 10:14 pm
Loved the Guy… Didn’t matter if we were playing hoops, farming neighboring Farms , or at the 4H sale at the Allegan Co Fair – I always looked forward to hearing what he had to say and sharing conversation… He was a Good man… Our loss and Heavens gain. Very sorry for your loss Mills Family. God be with you in these times …
Reply
John DeKam (uncle)
October 1, 2017 at 9:24 am
Wayne was such a kind, intelligent, caring and fun man. We will all miss him, but he set an great example for all of us to remember and follow in our own lives. Becky, Kate and Nate I offer my sincere condolences. May you find peace and happiness in remembering what a great husband, father and person he was. Our good memories of him will live on. May he Rest in Peace, at home with God.
Reply
deb tate
October 1, 2017 at 10:04 am
sorry to hear for your losses. I have known wayne since the 70’s
Reply
Carol Watson
October 1, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Becky and family! Wayne and I worked together for 30 years he was and amazing man. Always kind smile and a positive word to offer. May the good Lord be with you in your time of need. Hugs and prayers!
Reply
Tom Kelsey and Alice Kelsey
October 1, 2017 at 5:31 pm
The Kelsey family sends their sincere condolences.
Reply
Jack and Sandy Seiler
October 1, 2017 at 7:52 pm
Becky, our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Reply
Marie ( Keyzer ) Turner
October 1, 2017 at 8:39 pm
So sorry for your loss . I went to school with Wayne in Martin .
Reply
Jon and Judy Griffin
October 1, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, and Nate, you have been in our thoughts and prayers for such a long time. Wayne’s legacy is strong. We know that your hearts and worlds are broken. May you find peach and comfort in the love you have for Wayne, the memories you shared, and the constant presence of our God.
Reply
Mark and Doreen Gilson
October 2, 2017 at 11:01 am
We are so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a friend in the early days of our adult lives. He was truly a kind person and fun to be around. We know he was a person that impacted many with his laughter, humor, and kind heart. He will be missed by all.
Reply
Tony and Shannon Morris
October 2, 2017 at 3:22 pm
It is with great sadness that we received the news about Wayne. I spent a lot of years admiring Wayne for who he was to his family, people in the manufacturing world, and to his friends in and out of work. He didn’t judge even those who probably deserved it. He was kind, forgiving, understanding, and fair. He worked with passion and integrity. His smile and demeanor was absolutely infectious! In my number of years working with and for Wayne and getting to know his awesome family, I somehow convinced myself that Wayne was indestructible (almost idol like). While his body may have proved not to be, I am certain his family and the people he knew and worked with can and will keep his values alive. Becky, Kaitlyn, & Nathan; you all have truly been blessed by God even as Wayne was blessed by God with you. My family prays for your continued comfort and peace.
Reply
ann Richardson
October 2, 2017 at 3:31 pm
You fought the good fight and thought of others first. Your children are a great example of the good husband and father you were. You will live in their hearts and ours.
Reply
Douglas Pierce
October 2, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Wayne was a fellow ’73 classmate at MHS. If memory serves me, he was “called” up to the varsity basketball team during playoffs at WMU. He was put in the game during the final seconds and made a “long” shot from around 1/2 court- game won!
Wayne, I’m sure now has his new body and is with our Lord in Heaven. Still sad to hear he is gone from his home here- will see him soon enough, in his heavenly home.
Reply
Joyce (Seekman) Jenkins
October 2, 2017 at 10:50 pm
Becky, I am so sorry! My sincerest sympathies to you and your family!
Reply
Lynn Durocher
October 3, 2017 at 10:27 am
Becky,
I am sorry to hear the journey has ended for Wayne. I know you and your family will celebrate him always knowing his struggle is over and he is enjoying the peace heaven offers a good man at the end of an earthly life well lived.
Lynn
Reply
Shirley Brown
October 3, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Becky and family so very sorry for your loss But know he is in the arms of the Father that he is healthy and strong once again. We sure had some good time with the gang at Parker and always enjoyed talks with Wayne. May God wrap you in his arms and grant you peace and comfort. Hold on to the good memories and that way he will live in your heart forever.
Reply
George and Mary Washburn
October 4, 2017 at 7:15 am
We are so very sorry for your loss, Wayne was a great guy. We are praying for all of you as you grieve for him. I know you miss him terribly and always will. May God give you His peace and comfort in knowing that Wayne is in heaven now with no pain or sickness.
Reply
Jerry and Marilyn Fenner
October 4, 2017 at 11:05 am
Becky:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Don and Lila Reynolds
October 4, 2017 at 11:48 am
Becky and Family… So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. For those of us who worked with him he will be remembered as the go to guy for anyone needing assistance always treating everyone with respect. He was a role model with down to earth honesty, values and respect for others. May you find peace in knowing that he touched several lives with a positive impact on all those who worked with him.
Reply
The Gray Family
October 4, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Mills Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry to hear about your loss.
The Gray Family – Elizabeth, Joel, Austin & Haylee
Reply
Lisa Imus, Matt and Clint
October 4, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Life doesn’t seem fair sometimes and this is one of those moments. Your father was one of those great guys! Keep your memories close to your heart and they will help get you though! Please let us know if there is anything we can do. You are in our thoughts and prayers!! <3
Reply
Mike & C.Lee Pavlak
October 4, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Dear Becky & Kaitlyn & Nate.. You have all battled so courageously, loved so completely, and accepted so faithfully. Praying God will continue to give you His strength and comfort and all else needed. May God bless you mightily as you place your trust in Him!!!
Reply
Christie and Curt Fontaine
October 5, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Wayne was one of the great ones. He always went above and beyond in all he did…from family to friends…from work to 4H and so much more. Wayne will always be with you Becky, Kate, Nate and Lynne. He will be dearly missed by many. ❤️
Reply
Randy Hazel
October 6, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Becky, Kaitlyn, Nate, and Lynn
Wayne was my best friend. I would have spoken yesterday during the service but knew I’d never get the words out. I have tears writing this. I loved Wayne. He wasn’t like a brother. He was a brother. 31 years is how long we were friends. Every great memory I have for the last 31 years, other than my kids being born, has Wayne in it. Our phone conversations. Our Wayside visits. The bait pile. The “get closer” comments. The Park West Pub. There are 3 songs from that jukebox that will always remind me of Wayne. They were special before and they extra special now.
I have told my kids often that I wish they all get a friend like Wayne. He was the best.
Randy
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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Comment
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Name
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Δ
Obituary Notification Service
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How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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