FAIRBANK-Joan Irene Miller of Fairbank passed away Tuesday, August 25, at NorthCrest Specialty Care in Waterloo, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
She was born December 3, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa, daughter of Elmo and Irene (Bakula) Knebel.
She graduated from the Dunkerton Community School. She married Ronald Miller at St. John’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa.
She had worked as a secretary for Wapsie Valley Community Schools in Fairbank for 27 years.
Survived by: her husband, Ron, three daughters; Cathy (Terry) Link of Oelwein, Sherry (Gary) Pleus of Monument, CO. and Judy (Terry) Gamerdinger of Marion, seven grandchildren; Adam, Kelsey, Brent, Kali, Trevor, Lauren and Jonathan, three brothers; Ed (Jackie) Knebel, Bill (Jane) Knebel and Jerry (Carmen) Knebel of Dunkerton, two sisters; Julie Clausen of Elk Run Heights and Jan Knebel.
Preceded in death by: her parents and one sister-in-law, Patricia Knebel.
Services: at 11:00 am, Friday, August 28 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.
Visitation: Thursday, August 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.
Inurnment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery
A memorial fund will be established in her name.
Condolences for Joan Irene Miller
Ron and Girls,
I want to extend our sympathy to all of you. I wish we could do that in person, but there is a conflict up here for the weekend. It was so thoughtful of you to call us, Ron, and tell of Joan’s death. I didn’t know she was failing so rapidly. When we visited you folks in May, I had no idea that she would be gone two months later. Joan surely earned her heavenly reward after suffering as she did from Parkinson’s. It is a happy relief for all of you that her pain and strain is over, and she is enjoying being in God’s presence. Don’t we wish we knew what heaven is like? Will she see her mom and dad, other relatives as Chuck and Mary? What a mystery!
While Joan and I became friends only in the past few years, we did seem to have a nice relationship, and I wish we had known each other years ago. Maybe it was the bond of one Joan to another Joan? There aren’t too many of us around anymore. And, you all will miss not having her to call or check up on as you have done through the years. Having lost my folks and four siblings, I know how each of them are still with me in various ways. Little things she did will stay with you in your memories. Again, may each of you know that while Joan is gone, she will be with you the rest of your lives. Love and prayers, Joan and Jake Landas
To Mrs. Miller’s family,
I was saddened by the news of Mrs. Miller’s passing. She was always such an amiable and positive person that I recall fondly from attending Fairbank Elementary School and church. She always had a smile on her face when we would take her our lunch money or requests for teachers. She was a wonderful woman.
Wishing you comfort in this time of sadness,
Crystal Ott Thompson
Ron, girls and family, and cousins, I am so sorry to learn that Joan has passed away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joan is now on God’s loving arms free of pain and suffering. I am sure she is tickled pink to see her mom and dad again
She is now your guardian angel and will be looking over you from heaven. I guess I was named after her and Aunt Irene. Anyway keep all good memories of good times you spent with her close to your heart ans meet her on your dreams.
Love, Joan Wenzel and family