Jerry D. Miller II

Des Moines - Jerry Miller II passed from this life Monday, April 5, 2021 enveloped in love with loved ones by his side. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 10 at Iles Westover Chapel, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed on the Iles website. Go to IlesCares.com at 9:45 a.m. Saturday and scroll to the bottom of Jerry's obituary to join in the service. Burial will follow at Waukee Cemetery.

Jerry was born Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963 to Jerry D. And Suzann N. (Nelson) Miller. He grew up in Waukee, graduated from Waukee High School in 1981 and resided in his home in Des Moines for the past 35 years. He was a sheet metal worker and a member of Sheet Metal Workers' Local 45.

Jerry was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, and ALSA Iowa's Chapter was his community since diagnosis. He was an ALS Advocate, having lobbied in Washington DC to get more funding to further ALS research. He was loving, courageous and fought ALS valiantly.

As a young boy he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his family. This led to his passion for racing jet skis. He competed locally, regionally and nationally during his many years of racing. Jerry also loved to travel with family and friends until his passing, including trips to North Dakota, Texas, Aruba, Canada, Mexico, Michigan and West Virginia.

He was a member of Toastmasters, serving as Sergeant-At-Arms and an active participant for several years, despite his diminishing physical abilities.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Suzann, and brother, James D. Miller. He is survived by his father, Jerry of Edinburg, Texas; sons Zachary and Alexander of Des Moines; sisters Jana (Shane) Finch of Ocala, Florida and Joleen Vento of Waukee; five nieces and nephews, a great-niece and great-nephew, and a multitude of friends who have also been his family.

Jerry and his family wish to thank Eric Lundstrom and Struthers Brothers for customizing Jerry's jet ski casket and storing it for over ten years; the individuals in the ALSA Iowa Chapter who supported Jerry in his journey with ALS - for the resources, equipment, guidance and hope; to Taylor House Hospice for supporting his decision, caring for his every need and comfort, and for pampering him in ways he'd not enjoyed for several years; and to his fellow warriors in their ALS journeys - each of you is an inspiration to others and to the world in living victoriously, and for your continued focus on defeating the illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to ALSA's Iowa Chapter in memory of Jerry. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.