JoAnn Marie Miller
March 26, 2012
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.
Curt Lukes
03/27/2012
So sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. I ll always remember her smile and how fun she made things. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sheldon Stiefel
03/27/2012
Steve, Lisa and family, You have my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Greaves
03/27/2012
JoAnn was a joy. Her sparkling eyes and joyful spirit will be forever in our hearts. Our prayers to Dave and family. Her battle with ALS has ended and she is at peace. We will miss her so much!
Bill Wasson and Judy Greaves
Denise Raymond
03/27/2012
JoAnn will be missed by so many. Her bubbly spirit lives on! My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Much love.
John & Nancy Murray
03/27/2012
We send our sympathy, thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in the many memories you will cherish forever. Take care.
Nancy Throckmorton
03/27/2012
Sending my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the Miller family. JoAnn was a joy, and she will be greatly missed. My prayers are with all of your family in the difficult days ahead.
Nancy Throckmorton, PDI
Debbie Morlan
03/27/2012
Sat next to JoAnn at Hockenberg. We had so much fun I could always count on her smile and great sense of humor. Will miss her. What a courageous lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Debbie
Hockenberg St. Louis Office
03/27/2012
To the family and friends of JoAnn,
We are deeply sorry to hear about your loss. May God Bless each one of you in this most difficult time.
With Our Deepest Sympathies,
The Hockenberg St. Louis Team
Jeff Evola, Greg Evola, Jane Olson-Smith, Lela Sandmel, Sam Cusumano, Butch Wente, and Lauren Winkle.