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Joe F. Miller
1931 - 2014
Joe F. Miller
1931 - 2014
Obituary
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BORN
1931
DIED
2014
Joe Miller Obituary
Joe's " Wonderful Life" began February 5, 1931 in Seattle, Washington born to his parents Frank G. Miller and Alice M. Miller. (nee Dann) He went to school at St. Edwards Catholic School in Seattle. Joe ventured to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1951 and was hired as a bartender by Marc and Jan Gruber, the original owners of El Chorro Lodge.
This is where Joe Miller's life truly began. He met Evelyn, who was hired as a cocktail waitress, they fell in love and were married in 1954. In 1974 after working as managers, they purchased El Chorro Lodge. Joe and Evie Miller became the icons of this Landmark known throughout the Valley, serving the well- known as well as the unknown. Everyone was welcome at El Chorro Lodge.
Joe's personality, charm & wit made you feel you were special. Every customer and employee was treated like family. Generations of families made it a tradition to go to El Chorro Lodge. Joe believed in Good Food, Good Times. As pillars in the restaurant community, Joe and Evie won the 1982 Ivy Award , the James Beard Award for Excellence, the Diamond Award and were rated 5 Star Mobil.
Joe would always start his day..." This is Living" and that he did, the restaurant life was in his heart and soul. Everyone he greeted felt like a "best friend". And boy, did he make friends!
El Chorro Lodge was not Joe's only passion - GOLF. He was an avid golfer, playing in several Phoenix Open Tournaments. He also enjoyed fishing the streams for salmon, riding the open range on horseback, tossing a horseshoe, traveling the world, sailing, playing a good game of gin and being a fan of ASU football. His tailgate parties were the best!
Joe's personality never stopped. He was very active in many organizations and the community: Scottsdale Boys & Girls Club, Verde Vaqueros, Charlie Russell Riders, National Restaurant Association, Phoenix 100 Club, Ducks Unlimited and Paradise Valley Country Club.
In 2009, Joe & Evelyn sold El Chorro Lodge and retired, still loving and living life's adventures.
Joe Miller's heart was Bigger than his Smile. He touched a lot of people and their lives shall forever be enlightened!
In addition to his wife, Evelyn, Joe is survived by his sister Barbara Miller, his brother Frank G. Miller, Jr., his aunts Marybelle Carlson and Margaret Eastmark, his uncle Walter Dann and several nieces.
"You're a Good Man Joe Miller !"
" We are gonna MISS YOU!"
A funeral mass will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley at 2:30pm, Monday, July 7, 2014 followed by a Celebration of a Life Well Lived at El Chorro, 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ.
( in lieu of flowers, please honor Joe Miller by donating to:
Scottsdale Boys & Girls Club or Phoenix 100 Club )
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 23, 2014
Dear Evie,
Time goes by and things happen. I was at a bank event when I heard Joe had passed away. My heart broke for you and the family, as through my parents, Les and Alma Sheets and the kindness you offered myself and my family when things were difficult,when Mom passed away, you and Joe were giving, loving and kind. Married 60 years, just amazing. My parents loved working with you and Joe and we loved hearing their stories of all the fun you all had,it always made me smile.I'm truly sorry for your loss, and hope you know how much your thought of.
Best regards,
Paula Dudley and Chuck Sheets
July 9, 2014
Dear Evie, We have known you and Joe, for 40+ years, Julian and I celebrated our engagement with you, in 1978. And oh, the many parties at El Chorro and at our house. And remember the round table in front.....I think several of us owned that one !! Joe was the banker at Teddy Johnsons every year for the Kentucky Derby. I do think about all the good times.....and there are many. Double OO ? And as Julian would say "THANKS FOR ALL THE FUN AND MEMORIES". With much Love, Beverly Peagler XO
Buttons Joe and Evie May 2013
July 9, 2014
George Bentley
July 9, 2014
Dear Evelyn, It was with great sorrow that I learned of my friend Joe's passing in an email from Sis. Janis and I wanted to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You and Joe always made us feel so comfortable during the many visits to El Chorro.
Janis and George Bentley, Lafayette Louisiana
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Steve Weiss
July 7, 2014
Evie - I never knew you and Joe as well as I might have liked, but as a former editor of R&I Magazine I know what a great honor it was for Joe to receive the Ivy Award from his peers for his restaurant work. He is of a generation of hospitality professionals whose style and grace is not likely to pass this way again. I will look forward to some day dining at the heavenly version of El Chorro...where everything will be exactly the same as the earth version I am sure.
Anastacia Galbraith
July 6, 2014
You and Joe were so much part of our family, we were so deeply sadden to hear of Joes passing, my Father Harry McCarthy is so sorry he can not make the memorial, as he is having a hard time moving around now. You and Joe will always live in our hearts,
Laurine & Steve Shannon
July 6, 2014
Evie, we join so many others who can say they love and know you and Joe, in our case beginning in late 1940s when Steve was shipped to Scottsdale to regain his health. You and Joe took me under wing as a 128 pound 12 year old inviting me to celebrate Christmas with you in your first tiny home on the original El Chorro property. You and Joe will never be forgotten as along as Reene and I are still on this planet. May Gog bless Joe and you and the lasting impact you have on so many of our lives With tear-filled eyes, in memorial to Joe our inadequate heart felt love to you and your family. Laurine & Steve Shannon, Delray Beach FL
July 4, 2014
Dear Evie
We are heartbroken and sadden to learn about everyone's loss of Joe. Although only an occasional customer, will never forget how Joe and you treated us and our family like the best of friends and always made us feel important and welcome. Will never forget your sticky buns and chicken livers - they were extra special. Because of you and Joe, for Christmas we would give El Chorro gift certificates to our friends and clients because the El Chorro was our favorite place to go. We now have another empty spot in our hearts.
Tom and Melanie Risk
Ed Chilleen
July 3, 2014
Evie our hearts ache. You and Joe were the inspiration for all of my Restaurant Ventures. He taught me to tend bar and helped us when we needed it in our crisis time. Maria and I send all our love and with so many memories it is hard to mention them all.
Barbara Warren
July 3, 2014
Dear Evie, my father, Chef Bill Warren told me today of Joe's passing. Heaven is getting a wonderful treat and someday we will all be celebrating life together. Bill loved working at the Lodge and he has wonderful memories of the magic that made the EL Chorro so special.God Bless you and Joe.
Tom and Louise your friendly day crew!
Tom Henschen
July 3, 2014
Thank you Joe and Evie for letting me be a part of "The Lodge" as your bar manager. I spent 12 years with you there and boy do I have stories! You lived at El Chorro and the whole restaurant was like your living room! There will NEVER be a place like YOUR El Chorro! Joe was not only a great boss but a friend and often like a Dad to me. They only made one of you Joe Miller! You will be sorely missed but always remembered. Evie we love you and will be there for you. I watched you with Joe these last several months as he was struggling. Your steady, patient, reassuring and loving care was an absolute testimony of your 60+ years of love for Joe. God bless you both.
July 3, 2014
Dear Evie,
It is impossible to write all we would like to about Joe, Mr. El Charro, Mr. Scottsdale, and Mr. Wonderful!!
Bob and I enjoyed the Chicken Livers, Famous Sticky Buns along with the entire menu. I think we tried everything!!!!
The real treasure in our visit was going to the round table in the corner- sitting-having a glass of wine or five and pretending that we were so important!!! In reality both You and Joe made everyone feel like family and important!
We loved Joe and all he stood for, he was a pillar in our community. He did so much for the Boys and Girls of Scottsdale, also. How fortunate we all are for his dedication on behalf of others.
Evie, God Bless You, our most sincere sympathies, and prayers. You are special!
Love Bob and Mary Ellen McKee
At Joe & Evelyn's favorite table for my birthday.
Becca Slazyk
July 3, 2014
Dearest Evelyn: The fondest of memories of knowing you & Joe. Always had a smile and special greeting for everyone. May he rest in peace. With regards, Becca
toni coletti
July 3, 2014
Evie, I am at a loss for words. Our city is less one amazing man tonight. He will be missed by many and I am humbled to call you and Joe "friend". He was a friend to many...did he ever meet a stranger? My deepest sympathy to you and yours. You are on my heart and in my prayers.
Toni
Elizabeth Gaynor (Kruidenier)
July 2, 2014
The end of an Era!!!
Joe, You are truly a man of class, elegance and charm....a true gentleman. Thank you, for providing, "The Wonderful El Chorro years" for all of us. I am so, very, Grateful to have been a part of it!! May you be surrounded in the White Light of Eternity. Until we meet again, Many Thanks and Blessings!!
July 2, 2014
Joe and Evie were the very best of friends and restauranteurs I ever met. I thank Joe for the golf games and a major reason for me relocating to Scottsdale from Minnesota in 1984, I figured if most people were as friendly as Joe and Evie I may have found my new home and they always made me welcome at The Lodge. Thanks for more great memories than I could ever count. Mary, Jesus and the Donkey will have thier friend with them. God Bless. Mike Kliner
Kim Beck-Spector
July 2, 2014
The passing of Joe is just another reminder of all those we have lost. Always a dear to me and a wonderful friend to my father, Bud Beck. Rest in peace my friend, all my love to your family. Very few men of the round table left. Tell the guys hi in heaven.
Brick Sidles
July 2, 2014
I am so grateful to have been your friend and spent so many years (43+yrs) with you and Evie. The laughs and fun times we all together. I had the pleasure of gaining new friends and meeting so many people by being a part of your life, I am forever grateful. So many wonderful memories. Thank you Joe. R.I.P.
July 2, 2014
Let me keep it short. Knew Joe for over 40 years.. First on the Verde Ride then got much closer on the Charllie Russell Ride. One of the nicest men I've ever known. Mike Gallagher
Collette Burke
July 1, 2014
Dear Miller Family,
So many memories of great times at El Chorro over the years for me and my family, you really knew how to run a great place for all of us to enjoy. It was never the same after you sold, but happy you two were able to enjoy life to the fullest. Our deepest sympathy for your loss he will be missed.
Collette Burke
July 1, 2014
My name is Miles Childers and I met JOE in 2001 at the PVCC. We played a lot of golf and also a lot of gin rummy.He was a dear friend and so much fun to be with.I will miss JOE,but my life was was much better having spent quality time with JOE MILLER!!
Stacy Gardea
July 1, 2014
I am blessed with the most amazing memories of you and Jose'. Our trip to Hilton Head Island is one of my favorites. Can you imagine the parties Joe and my Father are going to throw together.
Thank you for sharing Joe with us.
Love you
Stacy Gardea
Happier Times
July 1, 2014
Dear Evie,
My memories of Joe are all happy memories...always smiling and always generous and always helping in the community...What a guy...
You were with him for quite a ride and he truly appreciated all your help and support always, but especially during the last few years. On my frequent visits, he would always tell me how special you were and how much you helped him...He's smiling now...
July 1, 2014
Hi Evie:
When I first moved from Seattle in 1973 El Chorro became our restaurant. You and Joe were so inviting and so friendly we knew we had found a place we could get a great meal and relax. Thank you for all those memories. Sharron Lewis
Arnold Dahlberg
June 30, 2014
I knew Joe for his friendly service at El Chorro Lodge. Time separated me from
Arizona but I always came back. I am now 91 and am back for the last time. May
I share your grief on the passing of friend "Joe".
Arnie Dahlberg
PVCC member
Lynne Button Zachrich
June 30, 2014
Dear Evelyn,
What incredible lives you and Joe have lead together! I am certain that St. Peter met Joe at the gate and said, "Hey Miller! we are honored to have you here!" "Where is your bride?" And Joe replied...."Oh, she is still looking after me on earth" with a little chuckle. You and Joe have helped more people here on earth than St. Peter can even count on all of his fingers and toes. I know you will miss him dearly. He lives on in so many lives, especially mine. You both do. I am so grateful for the love you both shared with me for over 40 years. I love you and he is pain free!
Old what's her name..... "Buttons"
janice titgen
June 30, 2014
Thanks for keeping El Chorro as an authentic piece of Arizona history. Loved your sticky buns too.
June 30, 2014
Dear Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort during this most difficult time.
June 29, 2014
My Dearest Evie, what a wonderful life you two had together all the moments, all the memories that you shared. And all the happy beautiful memories I have as a child, young woman, and now an adult. He was at times bigger than life it self. I will always remember his laughter, humor, and love of life. We love you. Ed and Kathy (Carlson) Timmins
Bud and Margie Rubenstein
June 29, 2014
Dear Evie....so very sorry to read about Joe. He was such a sweet guy. We really enjoyed going to El Chorro....and all the conversations we had with you both. We also remember the times you gave us "your bar table". I think we knew you both since the early 70's. .
There is so little to say in the loss of a mate. Our hearts are with you as you work your way thru this...
Margie and Bud Rubenstein
Earl and Joy Eastmark
June 28, 2014
I only met Joe a couple of times. I really enjoyed the time I spent with him. Wonderful man. My mother Margaret Eastmark talked about Joe with all the time over the years with great fondness.Joy and I send our thoughts and prayers to you Evie
June 28, 2014
Dear Evie sorry to hear about Joe. Wish I had met him he sounded like a great guy. I am his uncle's Walter daughter Gloria. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Love Gloria and JIm Hawkes
Judy Beckmark
June 28, 2014
Dearest Evie, We are deeply deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Joe. Our world has lost an amazing and brilliant man. Judy and I owe our life together solely because Joe and his dear friend Wally Miller introduced us at El Chorro 25 years ago. There hasn't been a week that passes by that we don't think fondly of you and Joe and all the lifelong friends we met at our second home, El Chorro. We will miss him dearly.
Judy Beckmark & Doug Schramm
Terry & Debbie Ritter
June 27, 2014
To a person who lived live as it should be lived. Did not look back,..looked forward always. A "TRUE" person who would share his honest opinion every time. A Respected Gentleman when need, a Knowledgable Leader when need, a person with a golden heart when needed. Thanks for being the person I got to meet, spend some time with, learn from. We always said the world wasn't fair, but we'd take a good run at it,...we still will. It was always good to hear the lifes adventures you lived thru,...and if you give it all you got,...then you gave it all you could. Your smile will always be remembered as will all the memories you gave us. Montana is the last Best Place,...and it will miss you, One of the Last of the Best. Poor Ole Joe, we will hold you high in our thoughts and memories. The Yellowstone Ritters
June 25, 2014
Dearest Evie, We are heart broken and so sad to hear about Joe's passing. Don and I are reminiscing All the fun,all the laughter and all the marvelous times we shared in early Scottsdale.The most memorable of all was at the lodge when
I was wearing the same gown as Barry Goldwaters wife and you hid me on the patio at some party. Still laughing about Joe always asking me where the blouse was that he bought you when I brought you home from wearing the "cheeks tee shirt!" We love you Dearly. Our sorrow comes from the heart.The Dallas's
Joanne Davis
June 24, 2014
So sorry to hear about Joe--Back in El Chorro days he was a big part of everyone's life. He was one of the nicest men I ever met. He will be missed by us all.
Joanne Davis --Scottsdale AZ
Jeanne Reagan
June 23, 2014
Dear Evie and family, Words cannot express how deeply your loss is being felt. The El Chorro was truly a family. Certainly a part of my family since 1972. Your life and love spread to many. Thank you for sharing.
Jeanne Reagan
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401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
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