Robert Edward Miljan, Sr., 91, of Benton, passed away at 12:46 p.m., on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL. 

He was born on September 3, 1926, to Stanley and Johanna (Georgivich) Miljan in Highland Park, MI.  Robert graduated from North Branch High School, North Branch, MI.  He married Betty Ruth Boggs on November 29, 1947, and she proceeded him in death on May 28, 2015.

He graduated from Industrial Training Institute, Chicago, IL., and worked for Buick Motor Division for 14 years. He then worked for Zodys Department Store as a district manager over several stores in the Michigan area. He then joined the Sam Walton Walmart store as store manager in Conway. Robert was promoted to district manager over Walmart stores located in Southern, IL, retiring in April of 1991.

Robert served in the United States Naval Forces during World War II. He enlisted on September 11, 1944 and was discharged June 16, 1946. His highest rank held was Ship’s Cook: Second Class.  The vessels and station he served on were N.T.S. Great Lakes IL, U.S.S. Lamar (APA 47) South Pacific, U.S.S. General R. E. Callan (AP 139), and U.S.S. Kadashan Bay (C.V.E. 76). His service school was completed at N.T. Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Robert was bestowed with the World War II victory medal, the American Area Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.

Robert was the Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Lifetime member of  3rd and 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Boccie Ball Club, Liturgical minister, usher and offertory presenter..

Robert is survived by his four sons, Robert Edward Miljan, Jr. of West Bloomfield, MI, Steven George Miljan of Bowling Green, KY, Bradley Keith Miljan of Benton, IL, Michael David Miljan, Sr. of Spring Lake, MI; daughter, Marsha Ann (Miljan) Reed of Byron, MI; two sisters, Dona (Miljan) Fike, Helen Marelich; several nieces & nephews; four grandsons, Robert Edward Miljan, III of Lansing, MI, Ryan Karl Miljan of Plymouth, MI, Justin Reed of Nashville, TN, Michael David Miljan, Jr. of Oconomowoc, WI; seven granddaughters, Lacie Nicole (Miljan) Wilson of Somerset, KY,  Amber (Miljan) Nason of Cooperville, MI, Amanda Brooke (Miljan) Morel of Bowling Green, KY, Annie (Miljan) Marshall of Beulah, MI, Jamie (Reed) Johnson of Mt. Rose, MI, Ilene (Hensley) Gilmore of West Bloomfield, MI, Amber Hensley of Naples, FL .

He was preceded in death by father, Stanley Miljan, Sr., mother, Johanna Miljan, wife, Betty Ruth Miljan, and brothers, Charles Miljan, and Stanley Miljan, Jr.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the Swartz Funeral Home, Flint MI with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. A private family viewing will  be held at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Swartz Funeral Home, Flint, MI. The funeral procession will leave following the prayer service for a graveside service at the New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint, MI.

Memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.