On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Jerry P. Miller, at the age of 64, was surrounded by his family when he slipped peacefully from this earthly world to his heavenly home, after fighting a Marine-tough battle with emphysema and COPD.

Gerald "Jerry" Paul Miller was born May 3, 1950 in Burt, Iowa to Paul and Julia (Doocy) Miller. He grew up in the Theilman and Lake City areas and attended Lake City Schools. He joined the United States Marine Corp and proudly served during the Vietnam War from 1967 – 1970. Jerry returned to Lake City after being hospitalized with a chest wound in combat. He received many awards, including a Purple Heart, for his faithful service to our country. He worked for Federal Mogul for 38 years. On June 9, 1990 he married Dorie Morrow, who has been his great companion for the last 24 years.

Jerry was a man who overcame many obstacles in his life and was a special friend to many. He loved to talk to others and share his life story. He had a passion for paying tribute to his country and those who served it. He loved motorcycling, fishing, hunting, demolition derbies, Facebook, and especially spending time with his family and friends. Jerry was a member of the Lake City VFW Post 8729, Lake City Legion Post 110, Legion Riders of Red Wing, Patriot Guard of Rochester, and the Marine Corp League Rochester.

Jerry is survived by his wife Dorie Miller of Lake City; and their blended family including children: Jimmy (Cindy) Miller of Lake City, Jeannie Rae Miller of Eau Claire, WI, Wanda Rae Miller of Eau Claire, WI, Dean Morrow of Elk River, Tony Schimmel (DeAnn) of Shakopee, and Susan Rae (Scott) Waltman of Lake City; grandchildren, Kaci "Dimples" Durrow, Chandra "Pumpkin" Witham, Donovan "Bub" Miller, and Miranda Rae "Princess" Jacobsen; two great-grandchildren, Lavaeh "Little PJ" and Lilyahna "Little Princess"; his father, Paul Miller of Lake City; sister, Carol (Joe) VanHouten of Lake City; brother, John (Judy) Miller of Apple Valley; brother-in-law, Donny Bade of Frontenac; many nieces and nephews; and three god-children. Jerry will be greatly missed by his little guy and companion, Scoobie. He was preceded in death by mother, and sister, Janet Bade.

During the last two years, Jerry came to know our Lord in a personal way and made a profession of his faith in Christ Jesus. He was comforted by the forgiveness of his sins and the promise of eternal life that is now his in Heaven.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31st, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City, with Pastor Dennis Valleau and Pastor John Berg officiating. Military Rites will follow the service by Lake City VFW Post 8729 and Lake City American Legion Post 110.
Friends and family may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel in Lake City, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. As Jerry would say, "Wear red on Fridays to support our troops. Semper Fi."