Jerome “Jerry” Struck passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 7:00 p.m. on August 29, 2025, in hospice at Holy Rosary Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Jerry was born in 1939 to Zenas and Adelia (Barnstorf) Struck. He grew up in Parshall, North Dakota, until age 13, when his family moved to Minot after his father purchased a gas station. Three years later, when the business closed, his father found work in the Ford service department in Miles City, Montana. Jerry, then 16, chose to remain in Parshall to finish high school while living with his grandmother, Helen Barnstorf. He graduated in 1957 before joining his family in Miles City.
In Miles City, Jerry worked a variety of jobs, including a period as an orderly at the local hospital—a role he jokingly told his sons, Michael and Mark, he was a “brain surgeon.” His playful humor was a hallmark of his personality throughout his life.
Jerry later found his true calling at A&T Supply, a farm and ranch store that served the agricultural community of eastern Montana. Known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone who walked through the door, Jerry built a career and reputation that became central to his life. In 1961, he volunteered for the National Guard and returned to A&T Supply after 6 months of training. Over time, he became a co-owner of the business, eventually selling the business in 1994 and “retiring” at age 55. After completing a long-deferred household projects list, he returned to work at Murdoch’s, which had purchased A&T Supply. Jerry was happiest when he kept himself busy.
Jerry met Billie “Gayle” Shull in 1963 at a wedding party. Though they lived 150 miles apart—Jerry in Miles City and Gayle in Billings—their relationship grew, and they were married in 1967. Together they built a home in Miles City, where they raised two sons, Michael (born 1968) and Mark (born 1971). Jerry was described by Gayle’s family as always cheerful and a joy to be around. He embodied the hard-working spirit of his family and shared his father’s gift for fixing mechanical things. In retirement, he especially enjoyed repairing chainsaws for friends and neighbors.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Zenas and Adelia Struck. He is survived by his devoted wife, Billie Gayle Struck of Miles City; his sons, Michael (Dena) Struck of Seattle, Washington, and Mark Struck of Billings, Montana; his brothers, Allen (Betty) Struck of Rexburg, Idaho, Kenny (Patty) Struck of Miles City, and Terry (Patti) Struck of Billings, Montana; and his sister, Renae (Richard) Helzer of Windsor, Colorado. He was the first of his immediate family to pass and will be dearly missed by all.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, with a reception to follow at the Parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Miles City Hospice of Holy Rosary, whose compassionate care brought comfort to Jerry in his final weeks.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday September 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday September 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Diane Welbes says
So sorry for your loss–Thoughts and prayers
Mary vetch says
I’m so sorry for your loss
Vikki Bradley says
Gail, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a great guy. He had alot of great friends. 🙏
Burch and Linda Palmer says
So long Jerry. Burch and Linda
Burl Mulkey says
sorry for your loss
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
Gail and family , We are so sorry for your loss . Jerry was such a kind and nice person . We enjoyed visiting with him at the Christmas party and seeing him at the “wrapping center” at Murdoch’s. Always friendly ! Prayers are with you during this time.
Carole Dighans says
Gail and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss of a very special man. Prayers are with all of you.
From Bernie and Carole Dighans
Stacy Regan says
Gayle & family,, Im so sorry for your loss of Jerry. I always enjoyed visiting with him when we saw you out & about. Keep your memories close to heart. You’re in my thoughts & prayers.
Ron Hathaway says
Gail, so sorry for losing Jerry. He was one of the GOOD guys!
Rob and Judy Reukauf says
Heck of a nice guy. From his days at the A & T to working at Murdochs, he always had a kind word and good visit. I will miss him wrapping holiday packages this year.
Sandy Rabe and Ric Rabe says
Gail, we are so sorry to hear about Jerry. May Gid provide you with comfort in wonderful memories.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry for the loss of Jerry. He was a kind and caring man. Always such a gentleman. Gail, he will always be in your heart. May memories make this easier for you and your family.
Jennifer Johnsgard says
Gail and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was always very kind. Keeping your family in my thoughts and wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry for the loss of Jerry. He was a kind and caring man. Always such a gentleman. He will always be in your heart and the memories will help you through this hard time. My prayers for you and your family.
Mark Browning says
Gail and Struck family,
So sorry to see this notice about Jerry. All his fellow “car guys” will remember his longtime tinkering and polishing his Ford products for whatever next ride he’d be involved with. Lots of good memories for us to recall with a smile!
Janet B Klein says
Gayle and family…my heart is hurting for you! Jerry was such a great guy. Life is never the same after losing a loved one. Keep the memories close and know that people are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. Janet Klein
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Berta Cauthron says
This is sad news. Time and distance, but good memories remain. My condolences to his family.
Darlene L. Strobel says
,Gail,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
May God give you the extra strength needed in
these most difficult days.
I enjoyed our time together.
💕🙏
Darlene Strobel
Doug Gaskill says
Gail and family. So sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. I really enjoyed our occasional visits. Jerry was a truly kind fellow and will definitely be missed.
Vicky Johnsgard Strom says
Gayle and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was always so kind when I saw him in the A&T. Cherish the memories. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sheila Schwartz says
Gayle and family
I am so sorry for your loss, Jerry was a Gentle caring man. We always enjoyed our time at the FIB Christmas party. May God Grant you comfort as you go through these next days, months and years , adjusting to what I termed my new normal. However you will find he is like a shadow in so many ways, and you may even talk him from time to time, that’s okay as well! Thoughts are with you during this time.
Vern and Katy Harbaugh says
Gail and family: We are both sadden to read this. May the shared memories bring you peace and comfort.
I’m sure he has found a coffee group by now and sharing great stories.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vern and Katy Harbaugh
Mary Ann Murray says
Gail, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I always loved visiting with him. Such a nice guy. Treasure those memories. Sending my condolences to you and your family.
Ginger Huckins says
Gail I’m so sorry for the loss of Jerry. Prayers to all the family
June Opp says
Gail and family, I was so sad to see where Jerry passed away. He was always such a pleasant person . He will be greatly missed in your family and in Miles City. May God comfort and bless you all now and in the days to come.
June Opp
Dennis Hirsch says
So sorry for your loss
Ginger Huckins says
Gail, May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Joyce & Jack Cavanaugh says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat Linger and family says
Jerry’s family and the community of Miles City have suffered a tremendous loss. Jerry was a great person, always an encouragement! May the Lord Jesus grant you great comfort!
Jim and Margaret Joyce says
We are so sorry Gail to hear of Jerry’s passing. You guys were good friends to us when we first moved to Miles City which was a long time ago! We will remember all the good times we had. May God bless you and your family.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
Thoughts and prayers for the whole family. he was a wonderful gentlemen.RIP
Wayne /Wanda Holmlund says
Our sincere condolences.
June Opp says
Gail & all the Struck family, I was so sad when I saw that Jerry passed away.He was such a pleasant person always took the time to chat a bit. Now he and Ruben can chat about their working days. I pray God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days to come.
Love June Opp
June Opp says
Gail and all of the Struck family, so sorry to see about Jerry’s passing away. My prayer is that God will bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days to come.
Love June Opp
Lee Spears says
I Remember Jerry when he was in High School then when he worked at A & T Supply. We were both in the Montana Army National Guard. Rest easy old friend.
Joanne Richardson says
Gail and Family, So sorry to hear about Jerry. Will always remember our fun bus trips across the country. Jerry will be missed by many in our community. May he rest in peace and may you and your family cherish the many memories. Keeping you in prayer for strength and healing at this time.
Ginger Huckins says
No words can fully express my sorrow.
Jim Thompson says
So sorry for your loss. Lots of good memories from the past. My condolences to the family.
WES says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JERRY WILL BE MISSED BY ALL RIP MAGIC
Kevin Donnelly says
Can’t say enough good about Jerry. Just knew him casually but all of the memories say it all. Good man his leaving will definitely leave a gap on earth. His presence is all ready known in Heaven.
Herm and Diane Venable says
This really caught us by surprise. I knew he was suffering but had no idea that GOD WOULD CALL HIM HOME SO QUICKK. HE IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF HIS LOVING FATHER, FREE OF PAIN AND SUFFERING. I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER JERRY AND THE GOOD TIMES DIANE AND I HAD WITH BOTH OF YOU. WE HAVE BEEN HURT BY HIS PASSING . GOD’S BLESSINGS ON YOU GAIL AND THE BOYS.
HERM AND DIANE VENABLE
Randy stanhope says
Gale so sorry to hear about Jerry my prayers are with you and the family
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Norma Johnsgard says
Gayle and Jerry’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always admired Jerry for his kindness, patience, and endurance. He will be missed. RIP Jerry.
Rhonda Sanford says
Gail, I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. Was always nice visiting with you guys whenever we crossed paths…. keep your memories close and know we are here for you anytime. God Bless,
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
If only the world had more Jerrys in it. He did everything calmly, quietly, efficiently, and always with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Miles City has lost another one of the really good ones. Our hearts go out to Gayle and the boys, his many friends, and those many lives he touched (always in a positive way).
Gary Worrall says
Jerry was a great guy and good friend so many years ago. My condolences to his family.
Carolyn E Hays says
To all of the Struck family, I am so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. We lived behind his folks when they lived behind Buttreys. The whole family were wonderful people and such hard workers. Adored his mom and dad. Zeke was a co-worker of my dand, Emanuel Hasapis at Love Motor. Boy, does this stir up some memories. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing Jerry was such a wonderful person and how much he will be missed. A special shout out to brother Ken. Been a LONG time since I have seen you or any of your family. My prayers are with you. Cooky
Mindy (Vanderhoof) Teini says
Dear Struck Family, we are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you all in our thoughts.
Shirley Lund says
Gayle, Michael, Mark & Family,
Jerry was a great coworker at A & T Ranch Supply. He was helpful, kind & a pleasure to work along side. His smile, greeting & personality were priceless. May God grant each of you comfort & peace as you share memories of Jerry. Blessings Shirley
Sandy Rabe says
Gayle, we are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. May Gid give you comfort in wonderful memories. God bless
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
Gayle & family–Floyd and I both remember Jerry when he worked at A&T. We know he will be missed by many. So Sorry. Floyd & Myra Gabel
EugeneConnie Bankey says
Rembering Jerry working the Elks Radio Auction every year at recpition table along side Lucille and Gale in the phone room answering the telephones. Jerry and Gayle, with friends, coming to the Elks for the bteakfasts. Jerry fully supporting the Elks Officers and lodge when Grand Lodge wanted to close the Miles City Elks. The social times and visits inbetween. Remembring a brother Elk and family and friend. God bless you Gayle and family. Our prayers. Gene and Connie Bankey
John L. Moore says
Jerry was such a sweet guy.
Shumon Pius says
Sent this message to Mark earlier: it goes without saying that Jerry is very important to me. I knew him all my life being that I grew up just 3 doors down from him and your family. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Mike and you, and I don’t have a single bad memory of him. He also served as one of the pallbearers at my father’s funeral and it was an honor to have him do so. My condolences on your loss and blessings to your family. And Mike, it was great visiting you and having you meet Tamara over the summer while you were home tending to your father. God bless you all!