Joseph “Joe” John Miller
Joseph “Joe” John Miller, 90, of Fond du Lac, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, November 17th 2024 at SSM Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 16, 1934 to Dr. Joseph and Viola (Dame) Miller in Mount Calvary.
He was blessed with seven brothers and four sisters. On October 23, 1954 Joe was fortunate to marry his high school girlfriend, Shirley Rafenstein, who would remain his best friend for over 70 years. Shirley gave him three wonderful children, Joseph Anthony, Jerome, and Joan.
Joe graduated from St. Mary’s Springs Academy in 1952. He remained a Ledger fan supporting SMSA football for over 50 years. After high school he attended Marquette University but then decided to pursue a career in construction. Joe worked for 44 years in construction mostly with CD Smith as a mason foreman. Joe started as a mason tender-timekeeper-labor foreman-then lastly as mason foreman. He was always proud of his work and demanded hard work from his crews. At the end of each job, he would look back and be proud of it.
He was a member of the Bricklayer Union, Holy Family Church, Charter Member of the Light House Anglers, and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was discharged from the National Guard with the rank of Sergeant.
Joe was known as “Uncle Joe” to many friends, especially his fishing buddies. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing but he was always ready for a game of cards, cribbage or a trip to the casino. Joe was an avid sports fan. Joe found great enjoyment in going out for dinner, and always left an extra, signature tip: a $2 bill and a gold dollar coin.
Joe loved his family dearly, just as much as they loved him. Above all else, Joe enjoyed time with family, never missing a Sunday family dinner, football games, a game of cards, or the annual trip to the family cottage in Tomahawk. He was proud to have a 5-generation family.
After retirement, Joe and Shirley enjoyed their winters in Arizona. His last blessing was the birth of his great granddaughter Lola Jo LePoidevin who he adored dearly and loved to sing and rock with her.
It was very important to Joe to acknowledge Joanie and Tom, his daughter and son-in-law, who really went out of their way to make Joe and Shirley comfortable and watched over them in their late years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son, Jerome (Sherry); his daughter, Joanie (Tom) Walentoski; grandchildren, Melissa (Todd) Rusch, Tony Miller, Joseph (Jackie) Walentoski, Kathryn (Zach) LePoidevin, and Jerome Miller, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
He is further survived by his siblings Marilyn (Ken) Kohlman, Delbert (Elaine), James (Bernie), Matthew (Toni), Mark (Ann), Michael (Alice), Kate (Tom) Thresher, Christine Danor, George (Mary), and Alice (John) Steffen, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Anthony, and grandson Letdel Briggs, brother John (Paula), sister-in-law Kathleen Miller, brother-in-law Steve Danor, his parents, Dr. Joseph and Viola Miller and in-laws, Anton and Loretta Rafenstein.
Joe always said, “I had a good life.” May he rest in peace.
Services: Joe’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM.
Online condolences may be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.