Joanne “Joan” Magdalena (Troyer) Miller was born on May 4, 1931, and died on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Joanne was born in Fairview, Michigan to Hilda (Kurtz) Troyer and Elmer Troyer. Joan spent her childhood in Fairview and graduated from Fairview High School in 1949. During her high school years, she was involved in many activities such as cheerleading and working at local restaurants and resorts. In 1950, she took Nurse’s Training at Saginaw General Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated in 1953. Joan received her RN License and was employed by the University of Michigan Hospital, Detroit Children’s Hospital, Wyandotte General Hospital, and by two Pediatricians in Wyandotte, Michigan.
In 1955, Joanne met the love of her life, James E. Miller of Chicago. They were married in Chicago on October 15, 1955. They were happy there, raising their four sons on Chicago’s Northwest Side. During this time. They joined Kelvyn Park Presbyterian Church and were very active there with their family. Joan also continued her nursing career part time at Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Belmont Community Hospital. After sixteen years at BCH, Joan retired in 1988.
In 1989, Jim & Joanne sold their Chicago home and retired in Sebring and Venice, Florida. In their retirement community, they both were very active helpers in all areas. They were also active with their Covenant Church and with projects for the Salvation Army. In 2005, the couple sold their Florida home and moved to Fairview, Michigan – Joanne’s hometown. They continued their great life there together and entertained their families often. Jim passed away on June 19, 2010, and Joanne eventually sold her Michigan home in 2017. She moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin to live with her son Tom. She was happy being near her 3 granddaughters and 5 great-grandchildren. She also continued to see her 3 other sons, daughters-in-law, and 5 other granddaughters frequently.
Joanne is survived by four sons and their families: Michael E. (Susan) Miller and their daughters: Serene, Autumn, and Trinity; Thomas R. Miller and his daughters & their children: Molly Smalz & children: Julianna, Matthew & Aria; Elisha and daughter Zaveya; and Kayla & daughter Mallory; Donald A. (Annina) Miller and their daughters Samantha (Paul) Killion and Kyrsten; and Ronald (Sheryl) Miller; and one brother Merton Troyer. She was preceded in death by her parents: Elmer & Hilda Troyer; her husband James Edward Miller; her brothers: Harold “Skip” Troyer and his wives Rosemary and Margaret, and Rodney K. (Waunita) Troyer; her sisters: Julie (Bernell) Troyer Hershberger and Jeanne (John “Skip”) Troyer Lee; and her daughter-in-law Nancy Roewer Miller.
Private interment at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, Michigan.
Arrangements by Kenosha Funeral Services and Lashley Funeral Home.
