In Memory of Gerald D, Miller

Gerald D. Miller, age 79, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the Battle Creek American Legion. A visitation will be held from 5:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Gerald D. Miller, son of Julius and Rosa (Greenwald) Miller was born on July 26, 1937, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. Gerald “Jerry” grew up on a farm near Midway. He attended country school and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1955

Gerald enlisted in the US Air Force in 1955 after graduation. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas and honorably served his country for four years. He was honorably discharged in 1959.

He returned home to Battle Creek where he worked at the Skelly Station. On December 10, 1960, he married Doris Fouts at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. The couple made their home in Battle Creek and were blessed with two daughters, Cheri and Deb.  The couple operated Miller’s Skelly for many years and Gerald also worked and retired from Hayes Oil Company.

Gerald was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served in many church positions. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Battle Creek Fire Department for 24 years.

Jerry had a love for sports. He played softball and also was on a bowling league in his younger years. He later enjoyed attending the sporting events of all of his grandchildren. Jerry loved listening to his polka music and taking Doris dancing. He enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino, playing Bingo and looked forward to his weekly card game with the guys. Gerald enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters and their families, Cheri (Rick) Wiese of Galva, Iowa and Deb (Dean) Drey of Early, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Natasha (Jamie) Phillips, Travis Wiese and special friend Kelly Stanke, Brooke (Blake) Woodke, Jenna Wiese, Alyssa, Renae, and Megan Drey; great-grandchildren: Calid Armstrong, Rio and Vida Phillips and Blaire Woodke; brother Larry (Esther) Miller of Edinburg, Virginia; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Doris, his parents, two sisters, Diana Miller and Jean Way; a sister-in-law, Donna Willer; three brothers-in-law, Melvin Willer, Dean Way, and Ronnie Fouts.

The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Gerald.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7