Dale Milligan

Dale’s early life began in Onaway a small rural Northern Michigan town with his two sisters and two brothers. In those early days he learned to grow a garden, hunt, trap, and fish for food.

In 1950 Dale was drafted into the Army and served in the infantry as a sharpshooter and truck driver. After discharge he traveled home and married, his lifelong partner and wife, Charlaine Smith. Married for 60 years, Dale built his life with his wife, Charlaine, in Michigan and later retired to Florida.

Over his 88 years he dedicated his life to serving God as an Elder for a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was the hardest worker, working 40+ hours for the telephone company as a lineman, then going home and working on the house, cars, and other projects to keep the family comfortable. He loved collecting tools for his work shed and was the kind of guy who could fix anything. While raising a family and working full time he also managed his duties in the congregation. Dale focused on caring for his wife and children and service to others, making him one of the very best husband, fathers, and spiritual counselors.

Dale is preceded in death by his precious wife, Charlaine; his son, Christopher; two brothers, Larry and Ron; and his beloved parents, Guy and Flossy.

Dale is survived by two sisters, Doris Robier of Alpena, MI and Donna Morgan of Onaway, MI; his children, Terri Tennant and son-in-law, William Tennant, of Gaylord, MI, Annette Tellier and son-in-law, Peter Tellier, of Rodger City, MI, Patricia Miller and son-in-law, Jeremy Miller, of Port Huron, MI, Bonnie Swillley of Senoia, GA, Jeff Milligan and daughter-in-law, Pamela Milligan, of Columbus, OH, Mark Milligan of Interlochen, MI, Paul Milligan and daughter-in-law, Deanna Milligan, of Interlochen, MI, Amy Milligan of Sharpsburg, GA, and Lizzy Shaw and son-in-law, Derek Shaw, of Snoqualmie, WA; 24 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.