Michael R. “Mouse” Millward, 60, of rural Bellefonte, passed away at his residence on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Mike was born in Philipsburg on September 26, 1960, a son of Ronald F. Millward of Runville and the late E. Delores Quick Millward. On July 28, 2009, he married Bobbie Anderson Millward, who survives at home. Also surviving is a daughter, Alivia D. (Tristan) Peace of Williamsport, his step- sons, Kyle W. Geary of Williamsport, Robert “L.B.” W. Geary III also of Williamsport; his brothers, Ronnie L. (Kim) Millward of State College, Steven (Lori) Millward of Julian and his sister, Patricia (DaWayne) Millward of Unionville. Also surviving are his niece, McKenzie Millward, nephews Hunter Millward, Ty Millward Trey Millward, Gabe Millward and Jackson Millward. Mike was of the Catholic faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and a true outdoorsman.
Mike was a 1979 Bald Eagle Area graduate, wrestling for legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Dick Rhoades. Mike was one of the wrestlers that lead the way to set the building blocks for a BEA Wrestling Dynasty that would last over the next three decades and amass over 450 Dual Meet wins in that time. He was a Centre County Champion, a 2X District 6 Champ, a 2X Northwest Regional Champ, and a 2X PIAA State Qualifier. He was a AAA State Runner-Up his senior year, and finished his BEA career with a record of 72-18-3.
At Lock Haven University, he was a 4-year starter and a 3-year team captain, a 3X NCAA Qualifier, a 3X EWL Runner-Up, a 2X PSAC Runner-Up. He also had 2 Runner-Up finishes in the Wilkes Open Tournament. Mike graduated in 1984. He was named LHU’s Outstanding Freshman, and twice named LHU’s Outstanding Wrestler. He scored notable collegiate wins over Penn State NCAA Champion, Carl DeStefanis in the 1981 dual, and a win over 2-time NCAA Champ Gene Mills in the 1983 Wilkes Tournament. Mike finished his LHU career record of 105-38-3.
Mike started coaching as an assistant at Bucknell, then a year at Lock Haven High School, then 7 years at Williamsport. In 1994, he was named the Head Coach at Montoursville. In 3 years, he led the Warriors to 36 wins, including 17 in 1995. He coached 4 District Champs, 5 Regional Champs, and 5 PIAA Medalist, including 3 finalists, and 1 champion, Rich Rodarmel. Mike wrapped up his coaching career with 3 years at Lycoming College, retiring in 1998, though he also coached at wrestling camps in PA and neighboring states for 25 years.
Mike started officiating in 1998 and just finished his 20th season. Mike has refereed in both the PIAA and NCAA, but with a much greater focus on Collegiate officiating. He has officiated in the Big 10, EWL, EIWA, and Metro Conference Championships, several NCAA Qualifiers, and the NCAA team Dual Championships. He has done 17 consecutive EWL Conference, and 13 consecutive PSAC Championships. In 2017 he was elected as the President of the EWL Wrestling Officials Association. He has been a part on the Officials consortium for the Big 10, Big 12 and MAC since 2006. Mike is a member of the Bald Eagle Area, Lock Haven University, and District 6 Wrestling Halls of Fame. Mike and his wife, Bobbi reside in Bellefonte, PA.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Sgt. Robert G. Millward.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, from 10am-2pm, at the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 403 Bush Hollow Road, Julian. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the church at 2pm with Pastor Michael Fisher officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lock Haven University Wrestling Club in Memory of Michael R. “Mouse” Millward at 401 N. Fairview Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 201 Spring Street, Milesburg.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.