Obituaries

Madison - Gerald (Jerry) Miller, age 84, passed away on Thursday, February 13th 2025. He was born on November 9, 1940, in Madison, WI, the son of William and Arlene (Williams) Miller.

Jerry will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and never ending love for his community. He had a love for all sports and in his later years was an avid golfer and bowler, both things he enjoyed doing with the love of his life, his wife, June. His love for community stemmed from his grandparents (William and Anna Mae Miller) who were one of the first African American families to move to Madison in 1901. Their house on 647 E. Dayton Street, aptly named the “Miller House" is a Historic Landmark and acknowledged as one of the earliest Black owned buildings remaining in the city. Jerry was a member of the Madison Central Lions Club and served as president from 1998-1999. He also served as treasurer for the Madison Urban League and was on the Board of Directors for Briarpatch Youth Services.

He graduated from Edgewood High School in June 1958. After high school Jerry attended Madison Business college and graduated in 1961 with a Business Administration degree and major in Higher Accountancy. That same year he enrolled at UW-Madison and started work at Credit Union National Association (CUNA) in the accounting department as a part-time accounts receivable clerk. During his time at CUNA he became the first employee to join the CUNA Peace Corps project on credit unions in Ecuador. The 20 months he spent volunteering with the Peace Corps was one of his most memorable and rewarding experiences.

After graduating from the UW, Jerry worked as an accountant for Ray-O-Vac, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL), now Alliant Energy. After retiring from WPL, Jerry worked for the family business, Kipp's Down Home Cooking (formerly, North American Rotisserie) and part-time for Per-Mar Security with his wife and daughter.

Jerry is survived by his two children, daughter, Kymberli Miller of Madison, WI; son, Michael (Annette) Miller of Madison, WI; five grandchildren: Niketa Miller, Casimer (CJ) Miller, Justin Humphries, Mikaela Miller and Jenai Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, William Miller; mother, Arlene Miller; brothers: Richard Miller and Tom Miller.

The family will hold a private burial for him and per his request Jerry will be laid to rest next to his mother, Arlene. “A Celebration of Life” will be held in his honor with more details to come once the date and location have been confirmed.

The family would also like to send a special “thank you” to: Agrace Hospice Care, Oakwood Village Madison, especially the staff at Covenant Oaks (Lilac Lane) and Mary’s Daughter LLC. They all took exceptional care of Jerry while also enduring his aforementioned wit and sense of humor day after day. The special love and attention they provided made it possible for Jerry to live his last days as comfortable as possible and pass away in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ebony Eyes Foundation, 6818 Park Edge Dr, Madison WI 53719 or made online at www.ebonyeyesfoundation.com in his memory.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com