Jerome Raymond Miller's Obituary
Jerome Raymond Miller age 85 of Custer passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025 with his family by his side. Jerome was born on August 22, 1940 in Ludington, the son of Raymond and Pauline (Zukas) Stakenas. Tragically his father Raymond died when Jerome was 1 year old and his mother married Daniel Miller - who became the father that would shape Jerome’s life.
Jerome graduated from Mason County Central with the class of 1959 and began a career in the Timber industry, which led to him starting his own business in 1960 and eventually locating his mill – Jerome Miller Lumber Company at its present location in Baldwin in 1973. The business continues to operate under the direction of his daughter and grandson.
On February 2, 1963, Jerome was united in marriage to Toni Norkaitis at the Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren in Custer, and they have celebrated 62 years working hand-in-hand, side-by-side together.
Aside from working countless hours at the Mill, Jerome liked spending time building, breaking down, and rebuilding machinery. He was a longtime member of the West Michigan Old Engine Club and also served on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Timber Association.
Along with his father Raymond, Jerome was also preceded in death by his parents Pauline and Daniel Miller, his father and mother in-law Anthony and Wanda Norkaitis, and his brother-in-law David Laiskonis.
Jerome will be greatly missed by his wife Toni; his daughters Michelle Miller of Scottville, and Melanie Bettinger (Kyle Tenney) of Ludington; his grandchildren Zachary McKelvey (Toya Iles) of Baldwin, Abby (Dillon) McKelvey-Buckley of Scottville, and Kyle Tenney Jr of Ludington; his great-grandchildren Milo and Jude Beemer, and Ruby Buckley; his sister-in-law Deb Laiskonis of Ludington; and numerous friends made over a lifetime.
A time of visitation with Jerome’s family will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 11 at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Eden Township next spring.
Those who wish to remember Jerome with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the West Michigan Old Engine Club in Scottville.
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