Joseph Miller July 21, 1935 – July 9, 2018

Joseph W. “Joe” Miller, age 82, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 8:10 a.m., on Monday, July 9, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Joe’s life, funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., at Blades Chapel on the University of Dubuque Campus, 2000 University Avenue, on Thursday, July 12, 2018, with Paul Jones officiating, where full military honors were accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League following the funeral service.  To celebrate Joe’s life, family and friends visited from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Joe was born on July 21, 1935, in Dubuque, son of Taft and Mary (McCarthy) Miller.

Joe spent his early years growing up in Dubuque, learning very quickly the important values of family, work and fun.  He would proudly march into the recruiter’s office and sign up, at the young age of 15, with the U.S. Army to assist his fellow patriots serving in Korea.  Following his return home to the states, Joe would honorably donate another 10 years of his life to the U.S. Army Reserves.  Joe spent a few years providing for his family with the State Brand Creamery, before he finally invested over 39 years with John Deere Dubuque Works.  Joe would eventually meet his beautiful bride, Debra Kennicker, and they were united in marriage on July 20, 1979 in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 39 wonderful years together.  Joe was not just a man of family and work though, he found plenty of outlets in his spare time to exercise his talents in very creative and productive manners.  A morning of polishing up the latest addition to his coin collection, an afternoon of lounging around the houseboat with family, or an evening of bowling with his friends in the Star League, were always considered a good use of time to Joe.  He also appreciated a good physical workout in the weight room or on his bike, or even simply sitting down to work on his most recent painting, or work of art, which would hopefully find its way into a loved one’s home.  Joe also loved traveling around the country with Debbie and any chance to stop by Crazy Horse, once again, helped Joe reinforce his pride in his Native American heritage.  There is simply no denying that the world is a much better place because the Lord was kind enough to share Joe with us for the last 82 years.  He was consistently viewed as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, employee, teammate, and man among men, not just because of the kind words which easily flowed from his mouth, but because of the fact that his actions continually backed them up.  We will miss Joe with all of our hearts, but moving forward we will surely find peace in knowing that not only will we see him again one day in Heaven, but that also thankfully everyday will be a comfortable day for Joe to adorn his favorite shorts and tank top.  Thank you for being such a wonderful and positive influence on the world around you, Joe; we will miss and love you every day!

Those left to cherish Joe’s memory include his loving wife, Debra Miller, Dubuque; his four truly adored children, Kim (Dave Winders) Barrett, East Dubuque, IL, Kelli (David) Naylor, Monticello,  Joe (Kris) Miller, Swisher, and Kristi (Eric) Sebby, Omaha, NE; his 8 grandchildren, Brandi (Shane) Kampas, Jef Barrett, Dustin (Annie) Farber, Britni Farber, Nick (Stephanie) Farber, Brittany Naylor, and Jaxson Nay.