Raymond Jerrel

Raymond M. Jerrel passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 93. Raymond was born on November 23, 1929, the 9th of 10 children born to Jesse B. and Mary Jerrel. He was the first born after they moved from Henry County, Iowa to homestead in the Foundation community near Ismay, Montana. A few years later they moved to the Kinsey, Montana community. Raymond attended Custer County schools and graduated from Custer County High School.
Raymond grew up in Miles City. Raymond met the love of his life, Peggy Ellen Mace, while they were in high school. Raymond started driving trucks and went to high school in his spare time. On June 5, 1949, Raymond and Peggy were married. Once married, the two of them worked tirelessly to build a trucking business, often responding to phone calls at home 24/7 – whenever someone needed something he was there to help. Throughout his career Raymond built a thriving trucking company. He also managed a feed business, sold horse trailers, and had a highly regarded truck building/repair shop.
While Raymond loved trucking, he was able to achieve a major goal in his life when he purchased a ranch at Jordan in 1990. The ranch became his passion, and he put in countless hours working there. You could often find him out at the ranch building roads, repairing the corrals, or out in the pastures visiting with his favorite cow "Boss". During this time he often stayed out at the ranch and Peggy would bring out meals for them to enjoy together.
In his later years, Raymond enjoyed starting his morning by meeting up with his buddies at the coffee shop to enjoy the lively conversation and dipping his favorite cinnamon roll in coffee each morning. When he wasn't watching "Gunsmoke" or "M*A*S*H" it was not uncommon to find Raymond out at the "shop" chatting it up with his "cronies" as he called them, talking about truck repairs and sharing old stories about his days on the road. Raymond had a terrific sense of humor, a huge caring heart, and was very generous to those in need, especially children, such as sending kids to camp if their parents couldn't pay for it, buying their uniforms for sports, etc. He had a nickname for everyone, and it brought him great joy to tease people and have them give him a bad time right back; he loved the banter. Raymond loved getting deals on almost anything, but particularly old antique trucks, truck parts, etc. and was always on the look-out for them no matter where Raymond and Peggy were travelling. He would often turn around and sell the items for much higher prices, much to his delight.
Raymond and Peggy were married 74 years and had a strong, loving bond. They enjoyed their family and many lifelong friends. They loved travelling. Some of their favorite excursions were an exclusive camp in Africa, New Zealand, various cruises, and regular trips to Mexico and Las Vegas with friends. They also enjoyed socializing and were members of the Sage Riders and the Miles City Club.
Raymond and Peggy welcomed Shawna into their lives in 1960 and David in 1962. They were loving parents who always put their children first.
Those who knew Raymond Jerrel were blessed by his presence in their lives. Raymond's strong work ethic and giving nature touched many lives and was an example for all of us. He demonstrated kindness and charity toward many, particularly the underdog, often without anyone knowing who had done the good deed.
Raymond is survived by his two children David Jerrel (wife Sharla, son Corbin-deceased, and daughters McKinsey and Briar) and Shawna Jerrel Rothaus (husband Randy, sons Michael, Austin, and Jaryd). Raymond had 24 nieces and nephews, 64 great-nieces and nephews, 100 great-great nieces and nephews and 1 great-great-great niece. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Ellen Mace Jerrel, grandson, Corbin, four nieces and nephews, four great-nieces and nephews, one great-great nephew and his nine siblings: Helen (Hans) Pedersen, Orville Jerrel, Dick Jerrel, Willis (Dorothy) Jerrel, John (Mabel) Jerrel, Dallas (MaryAnn) Jerrel, Harold Jerrel, Minnie (LaVern) Schmidt and Mary Ann (Lonnie) Johnson.
Raymond Jerrel leaves behind an enduring legacy based on his strong work ethic that enabled him to make his dream of owning his own ranch and a trucking business a reality, his caring nature to help others be successful, his belief in helping others in need, and by living his life loving those he cared about with all his heart. Raymond believed in the basic principles of how to live your life. We can all benefit from following basic principles.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 1:00-3:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. A Private Family Graveside will be held in the Custer County Cemetery.
Raymond personally requested that in lieu of flowers, friends would please consider a donation to Custer County Art Center or Range Riders Museum.