Joseph Fanning | January 28, 1960 - April 27, 2023
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted May 2, 2023 | 12:04 PM / 258 views
Joseph “Joe” Fanning, 63, of Miller, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller, with Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023, followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service, all at the church.
Joe was born January 28, 1960, in Huron to Clyde and Betty (Weise) Fanning. The first of six children, Joe grew up on the family farm southeast of St. Lawrence. He attended St. Lawrence Elementary School and then Miller High School, where he fell in love with Vicky (Gerlach) Fanning. The two were married on September 29, 1979, and through this union two children were born. Always proclaiming to be soul mates, Joe never failed to show Vicky, his partner in life, how much he loved her.
Joe grew up farming and continued after high school until his passing. He had a special talent for raising and caring for animals, especially beef cattle. As the seasons would change, so too would the work of a farmer. He worked tirelessly to care for the crops, the livestock, and his family throughout all kinds of weather and hardships. Joe also worked part-time as a crop insurance adjuster where he made many friends who enjoyed farming as much as he did.
In a time when fancy words and expressions compete for our attention, Joe would often describe others he respected as simply, “He’s a good man” or “They’re good people”. He believed in honesty, integrity, working hard, and caring for those around him. To those who knew him, he was “A good man”, and he showed us all how to be one.
Joe was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church where he taught CCD, was a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Finance Officer, for a number of years. He also served on the Hand County Soil Conservation Board and was involved in many community and church activities over the years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Vicky; son, Nick (Marlena) Fanning of Hudson; and daughter, Christina Fanning of Tea; sisters: Jeanine (Mike) Hammill of Miller and Shirley (Kenny) Vlasman of Watertown; and brother, Chris (Leah) Fanning of Miller; five grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; brother, Clyde; sister, Charlene; and nephew, Ethan.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements.
