Joe C. Mills, 70, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 15, 2018, with his wife, Lulu, by his side.

Joe grew up on a farm in Brownsdale, Minnesota, and graduated high school in Austin before receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. During his time in the U.S. Navy, Joe met Brenda McCloud. They married in 1971 and had two children. They later divorced.

Early on, Joe liked rock climbing, advocating for other University of Minnesota students and reading books. He spent almost 10 years in Mexico, where he met Maria (Lulu). They moved back to Minnesota and married in 1991.

Joe was a member of the Austin Masonic Lodge and like going to the YMCA. He continued to read and collect books and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Joe will be missed by many friends and family.

Joe is survived by his wife, Maria Lulu Mills; daughter, Terra (Claude) Olsen of South Dakota; son, John (Candy) Mills of Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Tim, Shana, James, Hanna, Samantha, Alicia, Carol and Nathan; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jim (Bonnie) of Iowa, Jay (Chris) of Washington, and David (Amy) of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

There is no funeral planned at this time. Joe’s ashes will be placed in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.