Obituary: John Miles Killmar

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

John Miles Killmar, 86, a longtime Houghton/Hancock resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 10th. He was born in Hancock, MI on June 28th, 1936, to Miles and Emerald (Reynolds) Killmar.

John graduated from Hancock High School in 1954 and worked in Chicago, IL before attending Michigan Tech University and graduating in 1961. He started his management career at Michigan Tech in 1961 and he retired in 1991 as the Director of Housing. He was proud of his career and the people he worked with.

John grew up in Hancock playing basketball and baseball. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and was an avid sports fan. He played fast pitch baseball, and he was a member of the 1969 Bosch Beer U.P. Championship team. He enjoyed watching his beloved teams, the Colts, Yankees, and Red Wings. He served as an Exalted Ruler of the Hancock Elks and was a lifetime member. 

In later years John and his late wife were snowbirds, spending winters in Fort Pierce, FL, passing time on the links and with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles, and Emerald (Reynolds) Killmar and his wife of 35 years Janice (Harnish) Killmar. 

John is survived by his sons John from White Lake, MI and Jay from Marquette, MI, his daughter Sandy (Mike) Archambeau from Superior, WI, and his former wife Mary (Aldrich) Lishinski of Dollar Bay, MI. He also left behind 4 grandchildren that he loved dearly: Angela Killmar, Alison (Chris) Bussiere, Annie (Dave) Archambeau and Scott Archambeau. He was blessed with one great grandchild, Corbin Bussiere. He was survived by his 4 brothers; Byron (Evelyn) Killmar of El Cajon, CA, Paul (Suzanne) Killmar of Vista, CA, Bob (Sally) Killmar of Lakeside, CA and Larry (Karen) Killmar of Odessa, FL. John has 3 stepchildren; Ray (Julie) Cameron of Florence, WI, Scott (Mary Lou) Cameron of Eau Claire, WI and Camile (Greg) McGovern of Arlington Heights, IL. He has numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Per his wishes, he will be placed next to his parents in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton, MI. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences for his family, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider sending donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in the name of John Miles Killmar.