JoAnn E. (Mrs. Fran) Miller, age 82 of Faribault, died Monday, November 12, 2012 at her home at Faribault Senior Living. 

Funeral services will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Faribault on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Steven Delzer and the Reverend Joanna Mitchell, officiating.  Interment will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. and also in the church for one hour prior to the services on Friday. 

JoAnn Eleonore, daughter and oldest of five children of Oscar and Rose (Pautz) Foss was born January 11, 1930 in Faribault.  She grew up on the family farm near Kenyon and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1947.  JoAnn worked as a secretary at St. Lucas Hospital, State Farm Insurance, First English Lutheran Church, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.  JoAnn married Francis R. Miller on August 12, 1950 at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon and they were blessed with three children.

JoAnn was a woman of many talents and truly enjoyed her involvement as a volunteer in many organizations and activities in Faribault.  She could identify whatever needed to be done to make any event run smoothly and successfully, and was an efficient and tireless worker who never wasted a minute.  JoAnn's volunteer activities included:  District One Hospital, Mrs. Jaycees, the elementary schools attended by her children, Faribault High School music and theater programs, Faribault Art Center, Red Cross Bloodmobile, serving as an election judge, coordinating Meals on Wheels routes, Faribault Area Community Theater, River Bend Nature Center, Southern Minnesota Basketry Workshop, and various committees and efforts at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.  JoAnn received the Service to Mankind Award from the Faribault Sertoma Club and also received the award from the Southeastern Minnesota Sertoma District in 1993.  In 1996, JoAnn and Fran were together recognized as the Faribault Citizens of the Year. 

JoAnn was a talented and creative seamstress.  She especially enjoyed sewing costumes for many high school and community theater productions.  She loved to play bridge and was involved in at least five bridge clubs.  She enjoyed going to auctions where she recognized a nice piece of furniture hidden under umpteen layers of paint.  She refinished many pieces of furniture that decorated the family home.  She was a fan of local high school sports, attending Friday night basketball and football games for many years.  She enjoyed listening to Minnesota Twins games on the radio.  JoAnn took up basketry and her artistic talents and skills were evident in the perfectly made baskets that she produced.  In addition to her leadership and involvement with Faribault community theater, she regularly attended concerts and theatrical productions throughout the area.  Through these activities and many more, she made good friends who all came to appreciate her talents, character, and friendly personality.  Most of all, JoAnn was a dedicated wife and mother, providing a supportive and loving home for her family.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and holidays were favorite family gatherings. 

She is survived by her husband, Fran, of Faribault; three children, Nancy (and Jim) Johnson of Northfield, Douglas (and Patricia) Miller of Faribault and David (and Noelle) Miller of Faribault; seven grandchildren, Steven Johnson, Laura Johnson, Eve Miller, Eleanore Miller, Stacy McDaid, Zoe Buscho, Alison Buscho; two great grandchildren, Isabell and Gannon; three siblings, Lorraine Winter of North Carolina, Roger (and Elaine) Foss of Faribault and Lois (and Virg) Kielmeyer of South Carolina; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Marlys Berg.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by the people at Faribault Senior Living (Memory Care), District One Hospital, and Faribault Area Hospice.