Heidi Miller Orlaske

Heidi (Miller) Orlaske, 51, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, December 29, 2008 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of SW Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Heidi was born November 9, 1957 in St. Joseph to Victor & H. Tenney (Gardner) Miller. She graduated with Honors from Eau Claire High School in 1976, and with Honors from Western Kentucky University in 1980 where she played the French Horn in the band and was a member of the swim team and a cheerleader. On October 17, 1998, she married Rob Orlaske in Las Vegas. Heidi was President of Modern Plastics Corp. in Benton Harbor, and a member of the Economic Club, golf and bowling leagues. Her generous nature came through in her actions and appreciation of others. She had a zest for life and lived life to the fullest. Heidi’s laughter was contagious adding life to every occasion with her sense of humor and practical jokes. She especially enjoyed family reunions. She enjoyed reading, traveling, photography, crossword and sudoku puzzles but most of all, the time spent on Lake Michigan, whether on the boat or walking the beach with Rob and her dog Kiko for miles and miles collecting beach glass. Heidi gave to many charities and did it in stealth. However, her best gift ever was the gift of life when she donated her beautiful blue eyes, her generous heart and all her vital organs to the Gift of Life Organ program. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Heidi’s motto in life was: Tom Foolery, Tom Foolery, Tom Foolery. Heidi is survived by her husband Rob; her mother H. Tenney Miller formerly of Sodus, now of St. Joseph; four sisters-Roni (Ron) Erickson of Knoxville, TN, Valorie (Cliff Ford) Miller of Kodiak, Alaska, Bethany (Perry) Morgan of Kellyville, OK, Cindy (Ken) King of Gilmanton, NH; her brother Greg Miller of St. Joseph; her in laws- Jerry & Carol Orlaske of St. Joseph, Theresa (Brian) Rich of Farmington Hills, MI, and Cyndi (Curt) Ray of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her brother Randy Miller in 1967, her father, Victor, on April 14, 2008, and her long time canine companion, “Cubby”, in April 2008.