Gerald "Jerry" Miller, age 83 passed away May 5, 2023 at the Lena Living Center after an extended illness. Jerry was born May 8, 1939 to the late George and Marjorie (Kaufman) Miller. After graduation from Lena High School in 1957, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Jerry married Roberta Reed of Stockton at the Lena United Methodist Church on July 20, 1958. In his early years, Jerry was an avid motorcyclist and CB radio enthusiast. He was an almost daily early morning fixture for breakfast with the morning crew at Beltline Café. Jerry was a member of the Pearl City United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Local 150 Union of Midwest Operating Engineers. He was very proud of his military service and Local 150 MOE membership.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Roberta Miller of Lena, IL children Sandra (John) Gerbode of Sumter, SC, Russell (Susan) Miller of Sugar Grove IL, Kevin (Connie) Miller of Lena, IL ; Robert (Marianne) Miller of Metamora, MI and Susan (Curt) Baumgartner of Pearl City, IL. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, sister in laws Barbara Haug of Monroe, WI  Jackie Haug of Freeport, IL and Carole Reed of Dubuque, IA.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Roscoe and Alma Reed, sisters Patricia Lindroth and Marilyn  Miller, sister in law Bonnie Jezbera, brothers in law Bud Jezbera, Rocky Reed, grandson Jason Gerbode and great grandson Timothy Streit.
Graveside services will be held Saturday May 13 at Lena Burial Park at 10 am. Celebration of life luncheon will be immediately
following the service at Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd. in Freeport. The family extends their thanks to Promedica Hospice and Lena Living Center for their care and support the last few months. A memorial fund has been established in his name.