Jack D. Miller

Funeral services for Jack D. Miller, 23, of Kennebec, SD were held Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Kennebec Elementary Gymnasium in Kennebec with burial in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery at Kennebec, SD.

Visitation with a prayer service was on Sunday at the Kennebec Elementary Gymnasium in Kennebec, SD. March 2, 2024, Jack passed away in Kennebec, SD.

Jack Delbert Miller was born July 3, 2000, to Brian and Debbie (Uthe) Miller in Pierre, SD. He attended elementary and middle school in Kennebec, SD. Jack graduated from Lyman High School in 2018 and went on to further his education at Lake Area Technical College. In 2020, Jack graduated with an associate degree as a Heavy Equipment Operator and moved back to Kennebec, SD to start a career at Kennebec Telephone Company.

Jack grew up in Kennebec with his family Brian, Debbie, Jacey (sister), Jerzie (sister), and Jude (brother). He had a great love for his family, calling Jacey “my baby” from the start. The girls followed him wherever he went and Jack always watched out for them, except for maybe when he and Jacey were dragging Jerzie through the house in a blanket or laundry basket. Jack was adored by his little brother Jude who enjoyed wrestling with Jack and tolerated the usual big brother tortures. Jack had a special relationship with his grandpa Donnie, and the two spent hours together doing yard work for grandma Carmen, or making projects in the wood shop.

Growing up Jack spent much of his time outside with his friends. They would climb trees, build forts, go down to the “crick” to fish, and even occasionally play in the sandbox with his sisters.

As Jack grew up, his friend group expanded. He was a social guy with a contagious smile. Most who knew him would describe him as a kind, cheerful, adventurous, and friendly guy. In high school, you would find Jack out with his friends causing a little trouble, or working for the telephone company. He was free-spirited and enjoyed being the life of the party.

Jack enjoyed driving around with the music cranked, being out on the river, snow skiing, and was always ready to take a road trip.

Jack became involved in many sports in elementary and middle school. He participated in wrestling, football, cross-country, track, and basketball. In high school, he settled on wrestling and football. His senior year, Jack was voted homecoming king and made it to the state wrestling tournament.

Jack was fortunate to learn a great work ethic from his parents, Grandpa Donnie, Rod Bowar, Matt and Justin Collins. He started mowing Rod’s lawn at the young age of 10. Rod had him working at Charley’s shop doing odd jobs at the age of 13, and Jack worked his way into the construction division. Kennebec Telephone sponsored him with the Build Dakota Scholarship to Lake Area Tech, and he returned to work for the company after graduating. Jack loved his job and took pride in his work. Jack enjoyed working with everyone at Kennebec Telephone but had a special bond with his cousin Jordan Miller.

Jack worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. He will be missed by so many.

Jack is survived by his father Brian Miller, mother Debbie (Uthe) Miller, sisters; Jacey and Jerzie Miller, brother Jude Miller, grandmothers; Carmen Miller and Eileen Uthe.

Preceding him in death are his grandfathers; Donald Miller and Delbert Uthe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jack’s name may be directed to AFSP Memorial Fund c/o South Dakota Gives, St. Joseph Street #3, Rapid City SD 57701. South Dakota Gives AFSP South Dakota Chapter.