Jerry A Miller's Obituary
We, the family of Jerry Adolph Miller Sr. would like to honor him by sharing a snippet of his brilliant and amazing life! He was born on September 15th, 1920 to his Swedish immigrant father, Adolph Miller and his wife Mini Esther Shoebridge in Union Mills, Washington (near Lacy in Thurston County). He died on November 2nd, 2013 old, and satisfied with days. Living most of his life in Tacoma, Washington he lead an amazingly active life riding his motorcycle up until the age of 89. He also enjoyed kayaking, bicycling, roller skating, was a train enthusiast and was a natural musician playing by ear both the accordion and the piano. He volunteered at several nursing homes bringing lively older tunes to the residents, bringing back much joy and memories. He was loved by all.
He was in the Navy during WWII and was stationed in the North African theater chasing Rommel. He went across the Atlantic ocean 5 times and did many duties from being a gunner, to a deep sea diver, undertaking reconnaissance missions locating live unspent torpedo's, and also assisted in the MASH unit. This served him well as it got him a job at Tacoma General Hospital as head orderly in the surgery unit for 40 years. He was loved and considered a close friend by many doctors and surgeons, (and not a few nurses)!
He was a train enthusiast and realized a dream in his older years by volunteering as a sightseeing tour guide in the observation car on Amtrak for 9 years. The best job he never got paid for! Always having a smile on his face and a joke to tell, he was a joy to be around and quite a character. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his two sons, Jerry Miller Jr., John Miller, daughter in law Sherrill Miller (who he truly considered one of his own), grandchildren: Colleen Masbruch, Dennis Miller, Melissa Spaul, Joseph Miller and Jaaron Miller. His Great grandchildren: Haley Masbruch, Danielle Delvo, Dillon Masbruch, Cody Miller and Emma Spaul .
There will be a gathering at Mountain View Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington graveside service on Friday, November 8th at 2:30 pm.
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