Joe Miller Obituary

Joe Miller CHARLESTON - Joe Miller passed away March 26, 2023, and addressing his life of 98 years is a task beyond daunting. His many kindnesses, hugs, and jokes are innumerable, as are the friends he made along his life's journey. His passing occurred peacefully in Charleston, South Carolina, where he has been living for the last nine years. Joe's family and friends were at his side, including the many wonderful staff members at the Oaks at Charleston assisted living facility. Born Joseph Stanley Miller in Townsend, Montana, Joe was the fourth of the five "Miller boys" born to his parents Larry and Sophia Miller. His mother died when Joe was only 18 months old, shortly after the birth of his youngest brother. Therefore, he was raised by his father and grandmother in Washington state and worked on the family farm. His brothers, Leo, Clem, Walt, and Norm all predeceased him, as well as his wife, Barbara. Joe met his wife, Barbara Jean Kruesel, in Spokane, Washington, and they were married there in 1947 after he returned from WWII. Joe was a Motor Machinist Mate 2 in the Navy and was extremely proud of his service to his country, but rarely spoke of his experiences. In 2015, he was chosen to take the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to see the WWII monument where he emotionally remembered his fellow comrades. Joe worked for P.I.E. (Pacific Intermountain Express), the largest trucking company in the world in 1956, as an 18-wheel truck driver and mechanic for 20 years. Shortly after he was married, Joe moved with his wife to Franklin Park, IL, a suburb of Chicago, to attend the only Diesel Mechanic school in the country. They always planned to return to Washington state to be close to their families, but Joe said he never had an opportunity to go back to the west coast. In Franklin Park, Joe was a mechanic, driving instructor, and eventually co-owner of Continental H20 company, which served hospitals, labs, and dialysis clinics with deionized water. He was a licensed plumber, electrician, and bonded locksmith who closed business deals with a handshake and his word. In Illinois, Joe and Barb raised their two children, David and Debbie. Dave's professional career has been as a State Farm agent in Chicago, and he is married to Laura M. Fischer. Deb retired after teaching public health and training future teachers for 40 years, with her last three decades at the College of Charleston. Joe always gave generously of his time. He was President of the Italian Catholic Federation Branch 181 at St. Gertrude Church in Illinois for 35 years, as well as a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He loved to tend to his vegetable garden, bowl, square dance, and up until his death, he was writing creative short stories on his computer. Joe and Barb were inseparable for their nearly 74 years of marriage. They loved to travel and visited over 30 countries and all 50 states. They enjoyed both the cultures and friendships made, and kept, along the way. A wonderful spouse to Barb, a great father to Dave and Deb, his life's impact on family and friends will continue long after his death. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and -nephews throughout the United States. He never met a stranger and embraced everyone from all walks of life. Special thanks to friends and the staff at the Oaks at Charleston for the love and care given to Joe during his stay, and especially during his final days. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 31st, at 11:00am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church located at 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to St. Jude Research Hospital online https://www.stjude.org or mailed to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston