Joseph David Miller, age 74 of Eau Claire, died on Monday, February 17, 2014. He was born in Saltlick Township, PA, on January 30, 1940, to Jeremia and Bertha (Faith) Miller. Joe graduated in 1957 from Connellsville Joint High School in Pennsylvania. After high school, he completed one term of service in the US Marine Corps. He attended Geneva College for 1 year before heading for Alaska. During a stop in Iowa, he met Pat Martin, who 5 months later became his bride for the rest of his life. Joe and Pat would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this September. For employment, Joe worked at Sears for 30 years, and then drove a semi under multiple employers for 10 years, followed by working at Menard's for 8 years. But Joe worked far more than this. Joe loved people and was driven by serving others with his life and energy. He helped young people develop in 4H, Webelos, Boy Scouts, and in other service projects. He was president of the Eau Claire County Holstein Association, and labored on multiple farms. When Joe served others, he worked harder and with more passion even as a volunteer than anyone you could ever hire. Joe absolutely adored his family – his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and did everything he could for them. He always made time to do special things with the children, and enjoyed providing new and unique experiences for them. Joe touched so many lives; the impact of his departure from earth will extend further than we may ever know. Our family genuinely appreciates the support and prayers from our friends and community as we reflect on past times, celebrate Joe's incredible life, and begin to go forward without his irreplaceable presence. Joe is survived by wife of almost 50 years, Pat; children, Jodi (Brad) Ward of Yorkville, IL, Joy (Troy Buono) Miller of Hammond, IN and Jayne (Dave) Munkwitz of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Steven (Larissa) Wardof Schaumburg, IL, Aaron Ward and Chases mother, Katelyn of Hinckley IL, Jordan Swartz, and Jared and Jenna Mayer of Eau Claire; great-grandchildren, Chase Ward and Joshua Ward; mother, Bertha Miller of Greensburg, PA; siblings, Judy (Nevin) Ulery of Elizabeth, PA, Vivian (Mike) Arendas of Greensburg, PA, John (Judie) Miller of Acme, PA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, J.D. Miller and brother, Jack Miller Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at the WEST CHAPEL of Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, at Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd. Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. The Rev. Robb McClintock and Rev. Don Gribble will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief or a compassionate charity of your choice.

Service Information

Visitation

Thursday, February 20 2014 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, February 21 2014 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Hope United Methodist Church 2233 Golf Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Memorial Service

Friday, February 21 2014 11:00 AM

Hope United Methodist Church 2233 Golf Road Eau Claire WI 54701