A funeral service for Jerry Miller, 85, of Spirit Lake, was held Monday, December 22, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Interment was at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.
Jerry Edward Miller, age 85, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jerry Miller was born on December 7, 1940, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the son of Charles Edward and Anna Marie (Nece) Miller. He grew up just outside the city limits of Spirit Lake and graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1958. Upon graduation, Jerry entered the United States Air Force, where he served dutifully for four years. After leaving the Air Force, Jerry married Kay Frances Sander, and together they had three children: Scott, Lori, and Renee. Jerry and Kay made their home in Yreka, California, where he worked for the City of Yreka.
Jerry moved back to Spirit Lake in 1975, where he met the love of his life, Betty Jane (Lange) Petersen. They were married on August 12, 1975, in Spencer, Iowa. After marrying, Jerry and Betty made their home in Spirit Lake, along with Betty’s children, Mary, Judy, and Becky Petersen. Jerry built his dream home from the ground up—an A-frame on Highway 9. He dug out the pond to the east of the property himself with his trusty backhoe and lovingly tended to it. Their home was lit up like a Christmas tree each holiday season and became a beloved local landmark in the area.
Jerry worked for Lakes Cable and later Medicom for many years, retiring in 2002. He also owned and operated a backhoe business and could run heavy machinery as if it were an extension of himself. Known by the CB handle “Salvager,” Jerry lived up to the name, as evidenced by the many odds and ends in and around his home. He enjoyed the demolition derby and raced a car for several years. One of his favorite pastimes was tinkering in his shop, where he lived by the motto that there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. Before and during his retirement, Jerry was very active in his church community at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake, where he often ran the recording for services and gladly helped with any other tasks where he could be of service.
Jerry was known to be stubborn, loyal, and deeply devoted to those he loved. Perhaps most notably, he spent many years caring for his beloved wife, Betty, with patience, dedication, and unwavering love—always putting her needs above his own. His family and friends often relied on his steady presence, whether it was offering a helping hand or simply being there when needed. Jerry had a hardworking nature and practical wisdom that made him the person everyone trusted to get things done. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—tinkering in his shop, spending time with family, or simply being present. His compassionate care left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and his legacy of selfless love and devotion will continue to inspire those he touched. Those who knew him best will always remember his quiet strength, his gentle humor, and the remarkable love and care he gave to those around him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Betty; his children, Scott (Lisa) Miller, Lori Miller, Renee (Jim Anderson) Miller, Mary Bezdicek, Judy (John) Swiech, and Becky Petersen; his grandchildren, Adam Richardson, Brian Abrams, Kayla (Erick) Marshall, Samantha Anderson, Connor Anderson, Tyler (Tori) Bezdicek, Megan Bezdicek, Katherine (Charlie) Brigham, Joseph Swiech, and Margaret Swiech; his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Amiyah Richardson, Kierra and Zachary Miller, Benjamin, Olivia, and Eli Marshall, Talan and Ellie Holm, Sofia Welp-Bezdicek, and Austin Brigham; his sister, Marion Apple; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Miller; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charlie and Edna Miller and Larry and Vicky Miller; his brother-in-law, Vince Apple; his son-in-law, Ronald Bezdicek; and his granddaughter, Nicole Petersen.
Blessed be the memory of Jerry E. Miller.
Arrangements are under the care of Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
