Joel Emerson McMillan

Joel Emerson McMillan

Cedar Rapids

Joel Emerson McMillan, 72, of Cedar Rapids died on September 20, 2025, in St. Luke’s Hospice Unit of COPD followed by a brief illness with Covid.

Joel was born December 29, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up on Grant Wood Drive SE, attended Grant Wood Elementary School and McKinley Jr. High, and graduated with the Class of 1971 from Washington High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Iowa and wanted to become a teacher so that he could have his summers off. Joel was an art teacher for the Cedar Rapids Community School District for 33 years. He taught at Franklin Jr. High/Middle School and Kennedy and Jefferson High Schools.

No matter what level of creative skills the student possessed, Joel loved teaching students who were willing to learn. Thousands of students have completed drawings, calligraphy, and clay projects that some still have in their homes today. Joel was color blind, so most of his drawings and paintings were in black and white.

Joel felt blessed to be retired and to do whatever he wanted, which was often nothing. He enjoyed listening to music, watching TV, and visiting his friends in Texas. He avoided crowds and loud places, and he hated mornings.

Joel married Carla Walters on June 9, 1984 in Iowa City. They were a team that complemented each other for 41 years. They were members of the First Baptist Church-Church of The Brethren of Cedar Rapids and served as ushers and communion servers. He made her laugh and taught her to appreciate art.

Joel shared his creative skills through many cards that family and friends received for special occasions. He was funny, clever and sarcastic. He made people laugh and had a quick and quiet wit about him.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Doris McMillan, and his brother-in-law, Rob Courson.

He leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life, his wife Carla, his sisters Lynda Courson and Janet (Jerry) Juett, his in-laws Kim (Joe) Lee, Carmen (Thad) Dahlberg and Kirk (Sheri) Walters, and his best friend Barry Beadle. He has 10 nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the First Baptist Church.

Please join us for an art exhibit of Joel’s creative works at First Baptist Church-Church of The Brethren (also called The Church on Northland) on Oct. 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The address is 5200 Northland Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.