Terry J. Miller, 76, of Galena, IL and formerly of Hanover, IL. The family of Terry Miller sadly announces the passing of their father and grandpa on December 2, 2025.

Terry was born on July 5, 1949 to Lois (Girot) and Floyd Miller in Savanna, IL. No matter where his travels took him, he was always so proud of being a Hanover native. He always compared his idyllic childhood with his brother Jerald to be like growing up in Mayberry. Terry couldn’t be more proud to promote Hanover, Galena and his beloved Jo Daviess County.

Terry was a proud Hanover Red Devil, graduating with the Class of 1967. Maintaining his friendships and attending class reunions was something he enjoyed so much thru the years.

After high school, Terry honorably served his country in the US Army in Vietnam, earning more than one bronze medal. Upon his return from service, Terry obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from University of Illinois at Springfield.

Terry worked as a tour guide for Tri-State Tours and then began his career with the State of Illinois at the Secretary of State until his dream job opened up in 1995 as the Site Superintendent of State Historic Sites. Terry worked right up until his passing because he loved his work and the people he worked with.

On December 28, 1986, Terry married the love of his life, Pam Byers. This marriage also blessed him with his two sons, Jeff and Jake Zeal. Terry and Pam were proud and active members of the Jo Daviess County Republican Party, attending National Conventions and enjoying the friendships they created with people who became lifelong friends.

When Terry became a widow in 1995, his loss was palpable to everyone around him but his commitment to Jeff and Jake never diminished. When his title role was promoted to “Grandpa”, it was hard to find one as proud as he was. Every grandchild was “brilliant”, “beautiful”, “handsome”, “athletic”, according to Grandpa Terry and his grandchildren held him high on a pedestal as well. Terry generously blessed us with vacations all over the United States and we will cherish those memories for the rest of our lives.

Terry is lovingly survived by his sons, Jeff (Jodi) of Lena, Illinois and Jake (Michelle) Zeal of Dubuque, Iowa. His grandchildren, Jenna, Jacob, Alexia, Brody and Tyler. He is also survived by his “Texas Family” and many cousins. Terry is preceded in death by his wife, Pam, his parents, brother, Jerry and his in-laws, Sam & Fran Byers.

Our family wishes to thank Jamie and Jeremy Loso for all of your love and support of Terry. We also wish to thank Dr. Greg Vandigo, Midwest Medical Center and every member of Terry’s staff for your care for our dad and grandpa.

Visitation will be from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, and from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Galena Bible Church, 11108 U.S. 20 West, Galena, IL, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8^th, with Pastor Mike Nesbit officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover, IL, where military honors will be accorded by members of V.F.W. Post # 5300 of Hanover.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©

In lieu of flowers, a Terry J. Miller memorial fund has been established