Jeral A Miller

Jeral A. Miller, 75, of East Moline, IL, died January 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday January 10th at First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 319 S. State Street, Geneseo, IL.  Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Monday January 9th, at Esterdahl Mortuary 6601 38th Avenue, Moline, IL.  Private burial for the family will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens in East Moline, IL.  In lieu of flowers, Jeral requested memorials be made to First Congregational UCC, Geneseo where he and wife Carol were active members for nearly 50 years.

Jeral was born on December 5, 1941, at Moline Public Hospital, Moline, IL, the son of Wilbur and Cora (Wiesjahn) Miller.  He graduated from UTHS, class of 1959.  Following graduation from high school, he attended Moline Community College and served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1963 through 1970.  Jeral married Carol Wilson on August 15, 1964, at Silvis First Baptist Church.  He joined the family business, Miller Trucking and Excavating, where he became the owner in 1973.  It was his true calling, passion, and natural vocation in life.  In 1998, Jeral retired from day to day operations, yet still remained active with the business.

Jeral was a member of Tri County Homebuilders, Associated General Contractors, Silvis Business Association, The Antique Engine and Tractor Association, and Short Hills Country Club.  He was a longstanding trustee at First Congregational Church where he loved to serve.  He enjoyed bowling and sponsored a team in the building trades league for over 38 years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and felt very fortunate to attend many events with close friends and family over the years.  More than anything, Jeral loved his family, friends, and work – combined they produced many interesting stories (which he loved to tell) and produced one extraordinary life.  His BIG personality put a smile on a lot of faces and, more often than not, you could hear him before you would see him.  Couple things for sure - the Quad Cities will be a lot quieter, Heaven will be a lot louder, and none of us will ever forget Jeral.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Miller; sons, Jarrod (Gloria) Miller, Colona, IL, Jason (Stacey) Miller, Atkinson, IL, and Justin (Christine) Miller, Colona, IL; grandchildren, Megan, Grace, Rebecca, Kayla, Amanda, Madison, A.J., and Mason; brother, Joel “Joe” (Cynthia) Miller, Colona, IL.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family thanks the following medical facilities that have helped care for Jeral for the last 5 years, Mayo Clinic, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, GMC West Campus Rehabilitation, GMC Illini Campus, Genesis Hospice, and Good Samaritan Society for their excellent care and compassion.

We would also like to thank our many family members and wonderful friends for their love and support.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.