Jerome Miller
Jerome Raymond Miller, 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 who would shape Jerome’s life.
Jerome graduated from Mason County Central High School 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 Feb. 2, 1963, Jerome was united in marriage to Toni Norkaitis at the Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren in Custer Township, 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 Western Michigan Old Engine Club and also served on the board of directors for the Michigan Timber Association.
In addition to his father Raymond, Jerome was also preceded in death by his parents Pauline and Daniel Miller; his father-in-law 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 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 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 Western Michigan Old Engine Club in Scottville.
Please visit Jerome’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Jerome with his family.
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