George David Milz

George David Milz was given life by his Creator and was born on April 2, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to George Herman Carl Milz and Esther Suzanne (Hanow) Milz. He was baptized in his home within days of his birth due to fear of diphtheria and became a child of God. He later confirmed his faith at Covenant Lutheran Church in Detroit. Dave attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit, graduating in January of 1948. He was active in the school band, playing the tuba. He continued his education at the University of Detroit, where he received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree in June of 1953. In July of 1953, Dave began a more than 30-year career with the City of Detroit. On May 16, 1953, Dave was united in marriage to Margie Ann Rinnas at Covenant Lutheran Church. The couple lived in and around Detroit for most of their lives. Their union was blessed with four children. Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army in August of 1953. After basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he served as a bandsman – playing the tuba – at Fort Dix in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. He completed his military service in June of 1955 and returned to Detroit with his wife and first child, Elaine, to resume his career with the City of Detroit. His work with the city included the design of freeways and roads, administrative functions related to water pollution control, and coordination of engineering activities in urban renewal areas. He retired as a Senior Associate Civil Engineer in November of 1984. Dave embarked on a second career in church work following his retirement. He studied at the Michigan Lutheran Ministries Institute from which he received certification as a Specialist in Ministry (Christian Growth) in June of 1984. He was further certified as a synodical Lutheran Lay Minister via colloquy through Concordia College, Milwaukee. Dave served Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Allen Park, Michigan as Minister of Christian Growth and Administrative Assistant to the Pastor from November of 1984 through August 1987. He led adult bible classes, worked with small groups, and served as organist, liturgist, lector, and in administration. From September 1987 through December 1992, Dave served as deployed staff for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Department of Stewardship. He worked in the Michigan and Ohio Districts as a project coordinator for synodical stewardship programs, including “His Love, Our Response,” and “God’s Caring People.” He also worked with the Indiana District in coordinating stewardship efforts. Dave’s main contribution to the life of the Church was as a musician. After six years of piano lessons, starting at age 10, and four years of organ lessons beginning at the age of 19, he began a 28-year career as organist and choir director at Covenant Lutheran Church, serving from 1956-1983. After his retirement from Lay Ministry, Dave served as music director and organist at Hosanna-Tabor Lutheran Church in Redford, Michigan until 2018, when he retired after serving nearly 62 years as a church musician. Dave’s hobbies included coin collecting and model making. He loved baseball and was a lifelong Detroit Tiger fan. He and Margie enjoyed travel, especially to visit children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he dearly loved. Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Margie; his four children, Elaine (Tom) Gavin of Naperville, Illinois, Rev. David (Shirley) of Kimball, Minnesota, Stephen (Hollee) of Livonia, and Amy of Rochester Hills; seven grandchildren, Anne (Jed) Slaughter, Tim (Erin) Gavin, Nathan (Anna) Milz, Susan (Erich) Keller, David (Becca) Gavin, Carolyn Milz, and Chris Milz; 11 great-grandchildren, Alayna, Lily, Alice, Jacob, Freya, Walter, Peter, Elsa, George, Ruth, and Teddy. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lois and Doris; and two great-grandchildren, James Joseph and Naomi Deborah Keller. On June 19, God blessed his servant, Dave, with a holy death and took him home to rest in the arms of Jesus until the resurrection of the dead. His earthly remains will await that Day at the Glen Eden Cemetery in Livonia. Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His saints. A visitation will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd, Livonia on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 2:00 PM-8:00 PM and on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 14175 Farmington Rd , Livonia from 2:00 PM until Funeral Service at 3:00 PM. Please share a memory of George on his tribute wall.