JoAnn Marie Miller
March 26, 2012
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Service Details
JoAnn Marie Miller, 59, ended her journey with ALS on Monday, March 26, 2012 in the home she created. Services will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:00 noon at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
Born on January 1, 1953 to Emma and John Novak in Decorah, Iowa; JoAnn grew up in Spillville, IA and for many years worked for Sara Lee in New Hampton, IA , where she raised her kids, before moving to Des Moines and joining Hockenberg Newburgh. Her friends at Hockenberg were like family to her. They have always loved and supported her in ways beyond belief.
JoAnn was a gregarious personality with a strong work ethic and music in her heart. Her smile lit up a room and her wonderful sense of humor, wit and high energy drew people to her. She was very artistic and was a gifted decorator and gardener. She enjoyed shopping flea markets and antique shops and created wonderful décor from her finds. She loved to be outside in her little gardens playing with her flowers and singing with the birds. She even named one of the birds “Emma”. When she wasn’t digging in the dirt, she was laughing and entertaining her friends and neighbors with Dave on their beautiful deck. Those were her best times.
JoAnn adored her grandchildren and was never without a gift when she saw them. She looked forward to every moment she could see them dance, cheer, play sports or music, or just be goofy. She would never miss a birthday and her grandkids always new their grandma would be decorating their cake, however they wanted it. They were always over the top. Her husband and soul-mate for 16 years, Dave, gave her the nickname “Cakers” which she went by for years.
JoAnn’s memory will be cherished by her husband, David; daughter, Lisa (Reed) Pryor; son, Steven (Sarah Updegraff) Murray; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Chase and Dylan Pryor, and Jenna and Cade Murray; step-children, Andrew Miller and Lindsey (Carl) Hansen; step-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Elysia Hansen; her siblings, Phyllis (Alvin) Mashek, John (Viola) Novak, Tami (Cliff) Dow and David Novak.
On her last journal entry JoAnn made she said this:
“I’m worried that my children, grandkids, and family will be sad that I am gone. But I want them all to know that I am very proud to be in such a great and fun family. I’ve had so many fun and great memories of my beautiful family. I pray they find comfort when I’m gone and that they all will see me and think of me every time there’s a rainbow in the sky and flowers in their gardens or fields. I LOVE YOU AND KNOW THAT I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU!!!!”
Memorial contributions may be directed to the ALS Association of Iowa. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Barb (Hogenson) Bennett
04/12/2012
JoAnn was a classmate of mine. It sounds like she kept the same happy, bubbly personality throughout her life. I remember her as being a very beautiful person inside and out. I'm sure she was a wonderful mom and grandma. Sending thoughts and prayers to all. So sorry for your loss.
Riccardo J. Rausch
04/09/2012
I was shocked and saddened when learning of JoAnn's battle with ALS and that she had passed away. My sincere sympathy goes out to her family. I met JoAnn in the early 70's and she made a lasting impression on me. She had a smile that was contagious. "Farewell Joannie...and may you rest in peace".
Lynne Akers
04/05/2012
Along with many friends from Cedar Falls Hyvee we would like to extend our sympathy to Joanns family and friends. She was a wonderful woman and I personally had such great times with her. What a funny lady! Hard worker and just a joy to be around. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
DAVE MAYO
04/04/2012
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE MILLER FAMILY. I WORKED WITH JOANN AT SARA LEE IN NEW HAMPTON
Sharon Carpenter
04/04/2012
Dave, Lisa, and Steve,
You can't imagine how shocked I was when I opened up the New Hampton paper and read about JoAnn. I know I lost touch with her the last few years and had no idea what the situation was. I am so sorry that you have all lost the love of your life. She was such fun to be around and always had a smile on her face. We had lots of good times when we were at Sara Lee together. Please know that I am thinking of you all and praying for you through this difficult time. And to you Dave, I am so glad JoAnn had you in her life. I know from what she had said the times I talked to her that you were the love of her life and she was so happy when I did see her the last time. I came to Des Moines for a birthday party and called her up and she came over for it. She was still the same JoAnnie that i will always remember.
Godspeed!!
Sharon Carpenter
Lee Yorgason
03/31/2012
I was so sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. She certainly did liven up the place at Sara Lee. I feel it an honor to have known and worked with JoAnn all those years at Sara Lee. May God comfort the family in your time of sorrow.
John & Deb Mihm
03/31/2012
You have our sincere sympathy in the loss of Jo Ann. Reading her obituary, it sounded just like Jo Ann, full of life and fun. Cherish those memories and smile when you see a rainbow or flowers, she would want that. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Glen & Jo Nosbisch
03/31/2012
Lisa, Steve and family, you have our deepest sympathy. JoAnn was such a happy person with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by many.
Diane Kipp
03/30/2012
Dave, Steve, Lisa and families,
I have known JoAnn for a long time. She rode my school bus back in high school and then I worked with her at Sara Lee for many years. We had so much fun together over the years. She was always bubbly and a joy to be around. I also remember her as a very hard working single Mom that worked a lot of overtime to make ends meet. I know that her family meant the world to her. I am so glad that she touched my life!
Carrie (Weigel) Baldwin
03/30/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Tom and Marian Gebel
03/30/2012
To All of JoAnn's Family,
We were so sorry to read in the New Hampton paper of JoAnn death.She was such a special person,and a flower girl for our wedding. and she came and helped us celebrate our 50th Ann.Glad we could see her and all of the family at John and Violia's 50th wedding Ann.Our prayers and sympathy are with you all.Love Tom and Marian
Jolene Dungey
03/30/2012
Steve, Lisa and family, you have my deepest sympathy. I hadn't seen your mom for a long time, and it was so nice to see and visit with her Steve, at the girls dance recital last May. You're all in my thoughts and prayers!
Darlene Mai
03/29/2012
Steven and Lisa
I worked and partied with your Mom during our Sara Lee days. She was so much fun and had a great personality. She will truely be missed by all.
Chuck and Darlene
Debbie Tuttle
03/29/2012
My deepest Sympathy to Lisa and Steven and their families. I was saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. I worked with JoAnn at Sara Lee and have alot of good memories. I moved to Florida and lost touch with her. She was a beautiful person.
Jeanne Roder
03/29/2012
My thoughts and prayers are extended to Dave, Lisa, Steve and all the family. I worked with JoAnn for years at Sara Lee and we had some great times together. She was an awesome classy lady and she always had a smile. She will truly be missed. I am happy that she touched my life.