Joanne Miller

Joanne L. (Mrs. Clem) Miller, 79, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Joanne was born November 15, 1932, in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Frank and Kathryn (Westerberg) Sha. She was a graduate of Battle Lake High School. On October 9, 1953, she married Clem Miller in Foxhome. They made their home in Fergus Falls where they raised their family. For over 40 years Joanne was employed as the receptionist at the radio station currently known as Lakes Radio. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, where she served on the Church Council and Stewardship and Capitol Funds Committees. Joanne served as the coordinator for Meals on Wheels, was a NAMI member (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), was a leader for the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk, and also participated in the Relay for Life. Enjoying times with family was her greatest joy. She loved to shop with her daughters and daughter-in-law, and loved flowers, reading, watching a good movie, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. She never passed up an opportunity to go for a ride on a nice summer day. Her special joy in her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank “Tom” and Mary Sha; a son-in-law, Scott Opatz; and a brother-in-law, Alvin Bjerga. Survivors include her husband, Clarence “Clem” Miller of Fergus Falls; her children: Vicki (Jerry) Saurer of Fergus Falls, Cathy (Dan) Davidson of West Fargo, Jeffrey (Barbara) Miller of Fergus Falls, Cynthia Opatz of Fergus Falls, and Jon C. Miller of Fergus Falls; 11 grandchildren: Kari, Heidi, Nicole, Kathryn, Amy, Mark, Brett, Stephanie, Matthew, Cody, and Hannah; nine great-grandchildren: Gracie, Ava, Lola, Noah, Mitchell, Miranda, Easton, Jaxon, and Ayla; and her siblings, Mary Lou Bjerga of Brainerd, and James (Shirley) Sha of Fergus Falls. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012, at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Tom Gard Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.