Joan C. (Elsner) Miller

Joan Miller, (nee Elsner), 78, of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2021 in Lake Geneva, WI.

Joan was born June 3, 1943 in Chicago, IL, to Edmund II and Laurine Elsner (nee Wardlow). Joan was raised in Williams Bay, WI, with her brothers Ed and Tim, and sister Julie. Growing up in Williams Bay, she enjoyed swimming in the lake, water skiing, snow skiing, and spending time with her siblings.

She graduated from Williams Bay High School in 1961. She was actively involved in cheerleading, yearbook, band, chorus, algebra club, booster club, and pep commission. Following high school, Joan attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She then moved to Champaign, IL to be near her brother, Ed and attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. While there, she met her husband, Chuck Miller, who was in the University of Illinois School of Architecture.

Joan married Chuck on October 29, 1966. They have three children, Laura, David, and Sarah. The couple has resided in Crystal Lake for 54 years and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Joan and Chuck came to know Jesus at Resurrection Church in Woodstock and are members of Trinity Baptist Community Church in Crystal Lake, IL. Joan was actively involved and volunteered in various ministries. Joan was also a dedicated caregiver to her son, David for 25 years.

Joan was an avid Illini fan and supporter of Chief Illiniwek. She was very proud that her brothers, daughter, and granddaughter also attended the University of Illinois. She enjoyed cheering for the Illini football and basketball teams.

Joan loved spending time with her cherished friends and family. She loved to open her home to host family and friends for celebrations, birthdays, and holidays. Joan is known for her warmth, empathy for others, kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor.

Over the past 17 years, she shared her love of the lake with her grandchildren. She was fond of boating, jet skiing, and swimming in Lake Geneva. She and her grandchildren swam at the same pier she did growing up.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Chuck; children, Laura (late Jim) Kearley, David Miller, and Sarah (Garth) Underwood; and Zofia (Marcin) Wolanin whom she loved like a daughter; grandchildren, Nicole (Jim) Fox, Ryan Green, Jordan Miller, and Nathan and Brayden Underwood; siblings, Edmund III (Lorna) Elsner, Julie (Bob) Harney, and Tim (Phyllis) Elsner; many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edmund II and Laurine Elsner.

Visitation will be 4-7pm Tuesday, November 30 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176), Crystal Lake.

The funeral service will begin at 12pm Wednesday, December 1 at Davenport Funeral Home with visitation an hour prior to the service. Bishop Dr. Michael J. Love will be presiding over the service. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to Trinity Baptist Community Church in Crystal Lake, IL