Joseph Mills Sr.

Joseph Frank Mills, Sr, age 74, of Brainerd/Baxter, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in his apartment in Baxter. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday September 12, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery (4499 County Road 45, Brainerd) at 2:00pm. The church service will be held at First Baptist Church in Baxter (7398 Fairview Rd, Baxter) on Sunday September 13th at 2:00pm. All are welcome to both the graveside and church service.

Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy of Baxter, his brother Edwin L. Mills (Shannon), niece Susan and family, nephew Eddy and family, all of Olympia, WA. Also, Mike (Bunny) Caughey and Wayne (Jenny) Caughey of Perham, Steve (Kari) of Park Rapids, Brian Caughey of Tillamook, Oregon, and Gayle Caughey. As well as cousins, nieces, and nephews and church family.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Luetta Mills, son Joseph Mills Jr, and daughter Jackie Mills.

Joe graduated from Brainerd High School and worked for 30+ years at the Brainerd State Hospital, plus building bird houses and wood carvings, which he sold at many craft shows, flea markets, and city festivals across the state of MN.

Joe’s greatest passion was studying the Bible and teaching at church and small group Bible studies. His final mission was to speak the truth of Salvation to all who entered the apartment.

The family wishes to send many thanks to Gayle and Good Samaritan Hospice staff who assisted Joe in his daily needs in the last 3 ½ months of his life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.