Melvin Joseph Miller

Melvin Joseph "Mel" Miller, 66, a 24 year Wenatchee resident and former, longtime Postmaster, passed away in his home in Wenatchee on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. He was born on June 7, 1947 in Saint Cloud, Minnesota to the late Walter Stanley and Regina C. "Rose" (Schlicting) Miller. He moved with his family to Tacoma as an infant and later attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Bellarmine Preparatory School. Following his graduation from high school, he continued his education at Tacoma Community College and later at City University of Seattle where he received a bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He married Susan Mary "Sue" Weaver on October 5, 1967. The two made their home together in Tacoma and Mel began his career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. On June 6, 1969, he entered the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. He received his honorable discharge on February 6, 1972. Upon returning home to Tacoma, Mel resumed his work with the postal service and he and his wife started their family. Mel worked his way up to Station Manager at the Tacoma Post Office and in 1990 he was awarded the Postmaster position for the city of Wenatchee. In addition to managing the Wenatchee Post Office, Mel oversaw operations at the Mail Processing Plant. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2010, ending 42 years of dedicated service. A member of the Catholic Church, the retired Postmasters Union and the Wenatchee Downtown Rotary Club, Mel was an active member of the community. He was especially passionate about his work with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. For 20 years, Mel served on local, district and international committees supporting many Wenatchee Valley, Central Washington, North Central Washington and Canadian students with opportunities to live and study abroad. Mel was a huge advocate for traveling young, learning foreign languages and experiencing new cultures. He particularly loved opening up his home to "inbound" exchange students and introducing them to American life through his family, the Millers. Mel was a consummate family man and his children gave him great joy and pride. Above all, he was a devoted husband and he loved his wife deeply. He had many passions in life, but none greater than the Seattle Seahawks. Mel was an avid sports fan. He also loved playing golf, reading, spending time with his grandchildren, travelling, tending to his rose garden, and fishing the Beckler River. Mel especially enjoyed mowing his lawn on his riding mower and the family's annual summer vacation to the Oregon Coast. His frequent laughter and constant smile were dearly loved. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan M. Miller, Wenatchee and six children: Brian (Danielle) Miller, Wenatchee, twins Amelia (John) Fazio, Spokane and Adam Miller, Seattle, Elizabeth "Libby" (James) McLaughlin, Wenatchee, twins Megan Miller, Kennewick and Michael Miller, Seattle; six grandchildren; four brothers and sisters, Janet Miller, Walter (Janice) Miller, Teresa (Robert) Johnston and Eileen (Gary) Fortin, all of Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marilyn Garrison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 19, at 10 AM at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in East Wenatchee. Friends who wish may make memorial donations in his name to Central Washington Hospital Home Health and Hospice. You are invited to visit his tribute online and leave a message for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Melvin Joseph Miller

June 7, 1947 - July 9, 2013