Jerome J. Miller

Jerome J. Miller, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Jerome "Jerry" Joseph Miller was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on June 14, 1940 at 8.17 am to Thomas and Helen (Benkufsky) Miller. They resided in Henning, Minnesota for most of his young life. His mother passed away in 1947 when Jerry was seven years old. He lived with his father and half sister, Patricia. Jerry moved to Minneapolis as a young adult and met his wife Joyce Vandenberg from Baldwin WI. They were married on October 3, 1958. They were eighteen and living life. Their first daughter, Toni Rae Miller was born on Nov, 1959. They loved her so. She became an angel before she was three. Then came Kelly Jo, she was born June of 1961. Jerry and Joyce loved to spend time fishing and at the cabin in the summer. They owned J and J trucking and other business to support the family. They were both judges of the ICSA International Car Show Association in which they showed their 1956 Chevrolet. There were many fun times during those years touring around the USA. The family still participates in ICSA today. Jerry and Joyce divorced in 1983. Jerry later was married to Karen Riemenschneidner. They moved to Erskine, MN where they bought Miller Auto Sales and enjoyed their time in Erskine. They then moved the business to Callaway, MN due to finding the perfect property. Jerry loved to mow the yard with his dogs riding on top of the mower with him. Jerry could shoot guns with his kids and grandsons right off the back porch. We all thought we were sharp shooters from bb guns to 357 mags. When Karen passed away Jerry moved to Detroit Lakes. He could not stay in Callaway. He became the PATROL of Oak Grove Trailer Park. This was the best thing for him. He made many new friends. Jerry would have afternoon cocktails with friends in the summer sun and his dog, Molly. He loved his daughter Kelly so. He could not wait to see her drive her Harley and chew her out for speeding. A chip off the old block! Jerry was a funny man. He could make you laugh and would give you the shirt off his back. Jerry would visit with you for hours at any time day or night. You could call at 2 a.m. and he was happy to hear your voice. He loved to talk. The stories will go on in our hearts forever. Jerry fought the cancer battle a long time. Now, he will enjoy the sun, and watch over all his friends and family""We will miss you! I love you Dad! Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Craig) Smith of Champlain, MN; two sons, Tim (Robin) Riemenschneider of Rush City, MN; Todd (Darlene) Riemenschneider of Amery, WI ; two grandchildren, Lucas (Kaurina) Smith and Jacob Smith; three step-grandchildren, Hunter, Henry & Tony Riemenschneider. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Karen, daughter, Toni Smith, and one sister, Patricia Miller.