Daniel “Dan” E. Milbocker

Daniel “Dan” E. Milbocker, 78, of Millersburg, died unexpectedly Saturday December 24, 2022, at Lynn Street Manor in Onaway. The son of Raymond and Ruth (Trafelet) Milbocker, Dan was born at the Fulsher Maternity Home in Rogers City May 5, 1944. He was raised in Millersburg and graduated from Onaway High School.

Living most of his life in Millersburg, Dan was well-known and had a great love for his community. He owned and operated Tri-County Concrete in Millersburg for many years as well as serving on the Case Township/Millersburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Millersburg Village Council for more than 30 years as treasurer. He was a member of the Millersburg Fraternal Order of Eagles where he played cards and enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and fellow members. Many will remember seeing Dan at the restaurant each morning where he started his day with members of the “Round Table,” drinking coffee and catching-up on the latest.

An avid sports’ fan, Dan’s affinity for sports began as a youngster when he played baseball. He was a natural, who understood the game, and went on to coach Little League in Millersburg. He touched many young lives during this time and decades later, some of his former players, continued to call him “Coach.” The memories are endless, including an undefeated season, piling the team into the back of Dan’s pickup for a trip to the Dairy Queen, and the infamous Yankee Doodle Dandy horn on Dan’s truck that the other area teams despised. After his coaching days ended, Dan continued to support the youth in the community by attending baseball, football, and basketball games and loved watching his grandchildren play in their sports. When he wasn’t at a sporting event, Dan was probably watching a game on television. He loved the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and Michigan football. He loved talking sports and rehashing a game or a great play.

Besides sports, Dan loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved deer hunting and fished the small inland lakes and rivers in the area as well as salmon fishing on the Great Lakes. He frequented the casino where he would play blackjack for hours, had an appreciation for a hearty meal, and loved to socialize. Dan was friendly, kind, and giving, yet wasn’t afraid to speak his mind or put one in

their place when needed. He was a good friend, who would do anything to help a neighbor and was known for plowing out half the “Burg” after a big snow. 

Surviving is Dan’s daughter, Tammy Milbocker (John Williams) of Houghton Lake; a son, Casey (Michelle) Milbocker of Onaway; grandchildren, Brady, Jordan, Morgan and Halle; as well as sisters, Penny LaFave of Onaway and Liz McNeil of Florida; and nephews, nieces, and good friends, Norm and Jan Baker and Donna Leach (the late Dale Leach). Dan was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Danny.

Dan’s family will receive friends at Chagnon Funeral Home Monday, January 2, 2023, from 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service beginning at 7  p.m. The Rev. James Brabson will officiate. Dan’s final resting place will be in Millersburg at Riverside Cemetery.