Manfred Franz Milkuhn, 73, died Friday, September 25, 2015, at The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury following a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 38 years, Carol (Austin) Milkuhn of Middlebury; his sister, Marlene Kuchenbuch and her husband Gerhard Kuchenbuch of Fallersleben, Germany; his niece and nephew, Maren and Niels Kuchenbuch, also of Fallersleben; his niece, Jennifer Lasorsa and her husband Dominick Lasorsa of Reno, Nevada; and many close friends from both New York and Vermont.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Milkuhn moved to Westchester, New York, in his 20s and then upon retirement, first to Waitsfield and recently to Middlebury.

After graduating from the High School of Art and Design in New York City, he attended Cooper Union, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. He first worked for Parade Magazine; then in 1972 he had the opportunity to join the staff of Simulations Publications, a publisher of board war games and related magazines including Strategy and Tactics. He was actively involved in the introduction of innovative practices, including the design of maps, counters and packaging that changed the wargaming industry. When Simulations Publications encountered financial difficulties, Mr. Milkuhn turned to freelancing, finding a market for his talents in advertising and magazine design.

He married his wife, Carol Austin, in April 1978 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scarsdale, New York. Together they traveled both to Nevada and to Europe to meet with relatives; these trips fostered close family ties, overcoming the separation posed by the distance in miles.

Mr. Milkuhn had a passion for animals and music. For years he volunteered at Guiding Eyes in Patterson, New York, eventually adopting a German shepherd from that facility. Singing in the choirs of the Waitsfield and Warren churches helped him develop his musical talents; as he became more accomplished, he began singing solo at church functions and local events.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on November 14, 2015, at Warren United Church of Christ in Warren. A reception will follow at the town hall.