Dodgeville - Karen Joyce (Hanson) Miller, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Dodgeville, WI on Friday, August 28, 2015, after an extended illness, with her family at her side. This peaceful passing in the comfort of her home was made possible with the loving assistance & care of Upland Hills Hospice.

Karen Joyce (Hanson) Miller was born February 26, 1936 at St. Ann's Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. She attended Logan High School in LaCrosse, where she enjoyed involvement in the Music Department. Following high school, she attended LaCrosse State University for one year then proceeded to Madison General (Meriter) Hospital for her chosen profession of Nursing. Following graduation from nursing school she worked in Chicago (Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital) and then she went to California with a friend from Nursing School where she worked in the San Diego area, including La Jolla and San Diego.

Returning to Wisconsin, she was affiliated with the LaCrosse Hospital of Grand View. She then went on an 8 week tour of Europe. Having met the love of her life prior to her trip, Karen married Jon "Stu" Miller on August 1, 1964. They settled in the Madison / Verona area after the birth of their son Eric and daughter Sarah, living there until 2005 when they moved to Dodgeville, WI. Karen enjoyed many summers at the family cottage on Lake Gilmore with family and friends. In their retirement, Karen and Stu spent many winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ where they enjoyed the warmer weather, new friends and experiences. Another passion was Karen's weekly Bridge group in Dodgeville and her monthly group in the Verona / Madison area. She also enjoyed a spirited after dinner Cribbage game with Stu.

Karen is survived by her husband, Jon Stewart Miller; her son Eric and wife LuEtta from Spring Green, WI and daughter Sarah Miller and Scott Carlson from Cassatt, SC; four grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville, WI, with a reception to follow at the Miller home located at 632 Prairie Hills Drive, Dodgeville, WI.

Donations may be made to the Dodgeville Upland Hills Hospice Care, Upland Hills Foundation or the Dodgeville United Methodist Church.