"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Miller. As a medical student I did an externship at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in the summer of 1976 where I worked with Dr Miller. He inspired me to become a general surgeon. His calm and kind demeanor was unique for a surgeon. He explained to me that operating and caring for people was a joy. I hope I could emulate his philosophy and kindness in my practice. "
In loving memory of
Gerald "Jerry" Miller
January 4, 1937 - February 21, 2015
Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Miller, 78, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska. A service to celebrate the life of Jerry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Malvern United Methodist Church. Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center of Malvern assisted the family with arrangements.
The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to:
Page County Cayuse Club (Horse Club)
311 E. Washington St. Clarinda, IA 51632
Box Butte County 4-H Bit and Boot Horse Club
415 Blackhills Alliance, NE 69301
Gerald C. Miller, 78, passed away on February 21, 2015 from health problems related to dementia. He was born January 4, 1937 to Esther Bertha and Fred Miller in Lincoln, NE. He was raised in his family's home on Apple Street. He had many fond memories of his childhood from those simple days of yesteryear.
He graduated high school at the age of 16 from Teachers College High located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. He ventured west after graduation working that summer at the Banana Ranch in Colorado where he fell in love with the West, and more importantly, being a cowboy. His mother traveled by train to bring him home to attend college at University of Nebraska- Lincoln. He was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. He went on to attend medical school and complete his surgical residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. He lived at the hospital during those years, but would hitchhike home every few weeks to have his laundry taken care of by his loving mother.
He completed his surgical residency in 1969, and moved around trying to find a good fit for himself and his growing family's needs. He eventually settled in Essex, IA in 1975, and practiced general surgery at the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital for over 20 years. He served that community 24 hours per day and 7 days per week with very little time off during his career. He was truly dedicated to his work.
In 1995, he decided to pursue his dream of being a horseman and living out West. He moved to Alliance, Nebraska to finish out his career. He was a surgeon during the day and a cowboy at all other times. His love, Kimberly Wederquist Miller, eventually joined him there in 2003. They married, and he lived his dream for the last 12 years of his life.
Jerry passed away February 21, 2015 after battling dementia for several years. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by siblings: Lois Covault (Jerry) of Missoula, Montana, Bern Miller (Kay) of Bridgeport, NE, and Elsie Scharton (Terry), Omaha, NE, as well as their spouses and extended family members; his children: Patrick Miller (Michelle) of Lenexa, KS, Dr. Susan Teggatz (Curt) of Carroll, IA, and Paul Miller (Carrie) of Waverly, NE, as well as his grandchildren: Tyler, Max, Morgan, Charlie, Will, Jack, Annabelle and George. Finally, he is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Kimberly, and his stepdaughters, Sarah Kramolisch (Lee) and son Brooks, and Emily Head, all from Omaha, NE. In addition to his family, Jerry will be missed by the many patients and loyal staff who experienced his kindness and care during his time as a physician.
Tributes
"I hope I am not too late to offer my condolences. Dr. Miller was my surgeon back in 1990 and 1991. He took care of my cancer. We were so appreciative of his wonderful care. He was a good man!"
"Jerry Miller was a fine and gentle man. He was also a gifted physician who was always there when needed. Time may soften the loss, but he will never be replaced in our memories. I was so sorry to be out of the country when Jerry passed, and unable to pay my respects to the family at his services."
"So sorry to hear about the loss of Jerry. I know it has been a difficult time but we always wish they could still be with us. My deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. I know he enjoyed being "out west" and I will always think of him riding in the hills near us with Bernie. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. "
"What a great man,surgeon, and friend! I remember the many times he sat with the maintenance staff at that same table in the Shenandoah hospital dining room discussing mechanical problems he was having with his tractor. We always laughed and had great fun. Most of all I remember him removing cancer from my wife Katherine and the love, tenderness, and compassion he showed me and so many others. He was the best. The world has lost a great man! Kim may the Lord of all comfort hold you close now. "
"Kim, My condolences on your loss."
"Kim, we are so sorry for your loss."
"To the Family of Dr. Gerald Miller. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one, Jerry. I hope you find comfort in God's future of paradise, where you can see him again. Revelation 21:4: "God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more....., Sincerely, Kristy jw.org"
"I looked forward to working the O.R.the many times when Dr. Miller filled in at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Enjoyed his storys of his children and stories of horses and roping. A very thoughtful and kind man. A great doctor and friend. So sorry for your loss!
"
"I remember Jerry coming to our home to check on Tim's progress from his broken leg. Jerry would arrive and check on our horses and visit with them and pet them: he would then come to the house to see Tim. Jerry always had time for his patients. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members. God Bless"
"We are so sorry for your loss of your husband, Father, Grandfather and we will keep you all in our prayers. Dr. Miller was the best surgeon and Dr. that we could ever had in Shenandoah. He had a good sense of humor and a very caring person. I know he his in heaven enjoying riding his horse for he was a miracle to his patient. May God be with you all and give you the strength and let the wonderful memories live on in your heart. "
"What a great doctor and guy! I have a lot of great memories from hospital days at SMH - he could always put a smile on your face and was also so compassionate to his patients. I remember him "initiating" new office gals by having them page "Della Dumone" (deladumone) and he and the nurses would come down the elevator laughing hysterically. :) and I remember him coming into the cafeteria at break doing SNL "church lady". He was very lucky to have you also, Kim. Hugs and prayers to you. "
"What a guy! I've worked for him, roped with him, partied, just a little, with him and drank lots of coffee with him. He was one of a kind! Very good man and sure loved his wife! "
"What a great doctor and man , he help deliver two of my three children . He always was so calm and eased any doubts ! He will be truly missed but many! Thank you for everything you gave to us Dr. Miller! "
"I remember Dr Miller from growing up in Shenandoah - he and my mom were friends and he was a great jokester! He was always so nice - and had a smile for everyone. He will truly be missed!"
"I only met Jerry once in Sterling, Co. Even though I didn't really know him, I know he made my college friend, Kim, so very happy. He filled her heart with so much love and life. Thank you Jerry, for being the love of Kim's life."
"The kind, gentle smile was always there as a greeting when entering Jerry's life at Douglas County. Jerry, so incredibly happy for you to be galloping on the clouds of Heaven! Kim, find peace in the fabulous love & laughter you & Jerry shared! Your Douglas County friend, "
"Big brother and protector of me ~ Always and forever he'll be ..."
"I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. One encouraging thought you might find comforting is found at John 5:28, 29. "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." God gives us this beautiful hope that he will soon resurrect our dead loved ones and we can see them again on a paradise earth."
"Many a time I remember Jerry as the one who was always with horses and enjoyed my Dad and Mom at the farm. I thank him for all the help he gave to us when my daughter Dannette was applying to med. school he was always willing to help out with ideas, A specal thanks for his coming to the funeral of my parents always remember the Cowboy hat. "