Obituary of Margaret A. Miller

Margaret Ann Miller, 68, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, with her devoted husband by her side.

Margaret was born on September 26, 1957, in Iowa City to Jessie Loretta and Eugene Miller. She grew up in Iowa City, attended local schools, and graduated from West High School in 1976. She became a mother at a young age, welcoming her daughter Kendra in 1979 and her son Kyle in 1981.

Determined to build a better life for her family, Margaret attended Kirkwood Community College full time while raising two children. She earned her LPN on February 28, 1986. That same year, she married Robert Brokke, who passed away in 2012. Together they welcomed their daughter Leslie in 1987.

Margaret worked at Chatham Oaks and the University of Iowa before beginning her long career at the VA in 1999; a job she took at her mother’s encouragement. She found her calling there. While working and raising her family, she returned to Kirkwood and earned her RN on May 11, 2005. At the VA, she mentored new staff, formed lasting friendships, and cared deeply for Veterans, bringing both honesty and her signature sense of humor to her work.

On August 8, 2014, she married her soulmate, Jerry Michael Lambert. Mike & Maggie celebrated their love again with a vow renewal on August 10, 2024. Margaret retired from nursing in January 2024, though she never truly stopped caring for others; she remained the go-to medical resource for her family.

Margaret was an avid Hawkeye fan who rarely missed a game. She loved attending basketball games over the years, but was just as happy cheering loudly from home with her husband and any family member willing to join in. As a Cardinals fan, one of her favorite memories was celebrating her son’s 30th birthday in St. Louis with the whole family at a game.

She will be remembered for her deep love of family and friends, her quick wit, and the way she made everyone feel cared for; often through food. She loved baking cookies, trying new recipes, and making sure everyone had their favorites. Some of the most treasured memories are of time spent in the kitchen with her children and grandchildren.

Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, especially the time she spent as a primary caregiver for her grandson Cooper after moving back to Iowa City. Margaret was feisty, funny, and full of love. She shared that love through stories, laughter, and the simple act of feeding the people around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Margaret was survived by her husband Jerry Michael Lambert and survived by her children Kendra Erkamaa, Kyle Miller and Leslie Fuller (Tyson). As Grammy, she was survived by her grandchildren, Anja Erkamaa, Eveliina Erkamaa, Corbin Miller, and Cooper Fuller.  She was survived by her siblings Dennis Miller (Helen), Ralph Miller and Barb Phillips.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Jessie Loretta and Eugene Miller, her sister Sharon Kost and her brother Steven Miller.

All are welcome to join us in remembrance on Sunday, May 31st 12noon-2pm at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home 2720 Muscatine Ave Iowa City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Fund.