Coach Tiller will be known and written about for years to come as a great football coach... and he was.
But to his family and friends he was Joe. Saying that he was a great husband and father or that he was a great friend or a great man does not do justice to the shining personality that he was.
He was a "bigger than life" character that made a singular impression on everyone who met him. If you never knew Joe to be a football coach, he would still stand out in that place in your heart where you store warm thoughts about the truly unique people who cross your path during the journey of life.
To see Joe sitting in McDonald's talking to the "old boys" in the morning you wouldn't know him from anyone else. But, take just a moment to talk to him and you knew he was special. He always took the time to listen to your story, but you needed to be ready to hear about his. You never had to guess what Joe thought about a given subject. He led with his heart on his sleeve whether it be about politics, societal issues, moral questions or just plain, old, life.
"I've always prided myself on being able to get along with anybody, whether they are a major donor or someone who comes to one game a year. I've tried to respect everybody, so I would like my legacy to be that I was a good guy who could also coach football." - Joe Tiller
Husband to Arnette. Father to Julie, Renee and Mike; and grandfather to Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori.
Arnette and family are in the process writing an obituary which will be added here shortly. Godspeed Joe. You will never be forgotten...
_____________________________
Joseph Henry Tiller was born December 7, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Josephine and Francis Tiller. Joe attended Rogers High School and then Montana State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and playing for the football team. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League and played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League during the 1964 season. In 1965, Joe embarked on a 44-year career as a football coach and administrator. He was an assistant at Montana State (1965-70), Washington State University (1971-73 and 1989-90), Purdue University (1983-86) and the University of Wyoming (1987-88). From 1974 to 1982, Joe worked as an assistant coach, interim head coach, assistant general manager, and director of administration and player personnel with Calgary in the CFL.
Joe was the head coach at Wyoming from 1991 to 1996 and at Purdue from 1997 to 2008. His six-year record at Wyoming was 39-30-1, and he led the Cowboys to the 1993 Copper Bowl. In 12 seasons at Purdue, he became the winningest coach in school history with an 87-62 record and took the Boilermakers to 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl. Purdue won the 2000 Big Ten Conference championship. Joe was the 1997 Big Ten and national Coach of the Year. His spread offense changed the way the game is played in the Big Ten. His overall 18-year head coaching record was 126-92-1, a .578 winning percentage.
In 2008, Tiller was awarded the Order of the Griffin, one of Purdue’s highest honors, given to individuals whose commitment to the university goes well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution. He was inducted into the Montana State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
On July 1, 1967, Joe married his dearly loved Arnette, and she survives, along with their three children - Julie, Renee and Mike (wife Hilda) - and four grandchildren: Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori. Joe also is survived by brothers Charles Tiller of Manning, South Carolina, and Marvin Tiller of Toledo. Joe was kind-hearted and cherished the student-athletes he coached and his terrifically loyal assistant coaches and support staff. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Self-described as “a good guy who could also coach football,” Joe endeared himself to football fans everywhere with his personality and humility. There was much more to Joe than football. He was devoted to God and the United States of America. His interests included antiques, art, cribbage, history, wildlife and good food. He was a member of the Model A and Pioneer Car Club in Buffalo, driving his 1929 Ford Model A in parades.
A viewing will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo on October 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., followed by a rosary and time for guests to share memories and tell stories. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. John the following day at 11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Tiller 74 year old beloved family man, friend and football coach who was called home to be with the Lord September 30th, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, Wyoming with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. A vigil service will be held and the Rosary recited at the church on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday from 1:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services immediately following the Mass.
But to his family and friends he was Joe. Saying that he was a great husband and father or that he was a great friend or a great man does not do justice to the shining personality that he was.
He was a "bigger than life" character that made a singular impression on everyone who met him. If you never knew Joe to be a football coach, he would still stand out in that place in your heart where you store warm thoughts about the truly unique people who cross your path during the journey of life.
To see Joe sitting in McDonald's talking to the "old boys" in the morning you wouldn't know him from anyone else. But, take just a moment to talk to him and you knew he was special. He always took the time to listen to your story, but you needed to be ready to hear about his. You never had to guess what Joe thought about a given subject. He led with his heart on his sleeve whether it be about politics, societal issues, moral questions or just plain, old, life.
"I've always prided myself on being able to get along with anybody, whether they are a major donor or someone who comes to one game a year. I've tried to respect everybody, so I would like my legacy to be that I was a good guy who could also coach football." - Joe Tiller
Husband to Arnette. Father to Julie, Renee and Mike; and grandfather to Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori.
Arnette and family are in the process writing an obituary which will be added here shortly. Godspeed Joe. You will never be forgotten...
_____________________________
Joseph Henry Tiller was born December 7, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Josephine and Francis Tiller. Joe attended Rogers High School and then Montana State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and playing for the football team. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League and played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League during the 1964 season. In 1965, Joe embarked on a 44-year career as a football coach and administrator. He was an assistant at Montana State (1965-70), Washington State University (1971-73 and 1989-90), Purdue University (1983-86) and the University of Wyoming (1987-88). From 1974 to 1982, Joe worked as an assistant coach, interim head coach, assistant general manager, and director of administration and player personnel with Calgary in the CFL.
Joe was the head coach at Wyoming from 1991 to 1996 and at Purdue from 1997 to 2008. His six-year record at Wyoming was 39-30-1, and he led the Cowboys to the 1993 Copper Bowl. In 12 seasons at Purdue, he became the winningest coach in school history with an 87-62 record and took the Boilermakers to 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl. Purdue won the 2000 Big Ten Conference championship. Joe was the 1997 Big Ten and national Coach of the Year. His spread offense changed the way the game is played in the Big Ten. His overall 18-year head coaching record was 126-92-1, a .578 winning percentage.
In 2008, Tiller was awarded the Order of the Griffin, one of Purdue’s highest honors, given to individuals whose commitment to the university goes well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution. He was inducted into the Montana State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
On July 1, 1967, Joe married his dearly loved Arnette, and she survives, along with their three children - Julie, Renee and Mike (wife Hilda) - and four grandchildren: Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori. Joe also is survived by brothers Charles Tiller of Manning, South Carolina, and Marvin Tiller of Toledo. Joe was kind-hearted and cherished the student-athletes he coached and his terrifically loyal assistant coaches and support staff. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Self-described as “a good guy who could also coach football,” Joe endeared himself to football fans everywhere with his personality and humility. There was much more to Joe than football. He was devoted to God and the United States of America. His interests included antiques, art, cribbage, history, wildlife and good food. He was a member of the Model A and Pioneer Car Club in Buffalo, driving his 1929 Ford Model A in parades.
A viewing will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo on October 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., followed by a rosary and time for guests to share memories and tell stories. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. John the following day at 11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Tiller 74 year old beloved family man, friend and football coach who was called home to be with the Lord September 30th, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, Wyoming with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. A vigil service will be held and the Rosary recited at the church on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday from 1:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services immediately following the Mass.
Coach Tiller will be known and written about for years to come as a great football coach... and he was.
But to his family and friends he was Joe. Saying that he was a great husband and father or that he was a great friend or a great man does not do justice to the shining personality that he was.
He was a "bigger than life" character that made a singular impression on everyone who met him. If you never knew Joe to be a football coach, he would still stand out in that place in your heart where you store warm thoughts about the truly unique people who cross your path during the journey of life.
To see Joe sitting in McDonald's talking to the "old boys" in the morning you wouldn't know him from anyone else. But, take just a moment to talk to him and you knew he was special. He always took the time to listen to your story, but you needed to be ready to hear about his. You never had to guess what Joe thought about a given subject. He led with his heart on his sleeve whether it be about politics, societal issues, moral questions or just plain, old, life.
"I've always prided myself on being able to get along with anybody, whether they are a major donor or someone who comes to one game a year. I've tried to respect everybody, so I would like my legacy to be that I was a good guy who could also coach football." - Joe Tiller
Husband to Arnette. Father to Julie, Renee and Mike; and grandfather to Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori.
Arnette and family are in the process writing an obituary which will be added here shortly. Godspeed Joe. You will never be forgotten...
_____________________________
Joseph Henry Tiller was born December 7, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Josephine and Francis Tiller. Joe attended Rogers High School and then Montana State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and playing for the football team. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League and played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League during the 1964 season. In 1965, Joe embarked on a 44-year career as a football coach and administrator. He was an assistant at Montana State (1965-70), Washington State University (1971-73 and 1989-90), Purdue University (1983-86) and the University of Wyoming (1987-88). From 1974 to 1982, Joe worked as an assistant coach, interim head coach, assistant general manager, and director of administration and player personnel with Calgary in the CFL.
Joe was the head coach at Wyoming from 1991 to 1996 and at Purdue from 1997 to 2008. His six-year record at Wyoming was 39-30-1, and he led the Cowboys to the 1993 Copper Bowl. In 12 seasons at Purdue, he became the winningest coach in school history with an 87-62 record and took the Boilermakers to 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl. Purdue won the 2000 Big Ten Conference championship. Joe was the 1997 Big Ten and national Coach of the Year. His spread offense changed the way the game is played in the Big Ten. His overall 18-year head coaching record was 126-92-1, a .578 winning percentage.
In 2008, Tiller was awarded the Order of the Griffin, one of Purdue’s highest honors, given to individuals whose commitment to the university goes well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution. He was inducted into the Montana State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
On July 1, 1967, Joe married his dearly loved Arnette, and she survives, along with their three children - Julie, Renee and Mike (wife Hilda) - and four grandchildren: Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori. Joe also is survived by brothers Charles Tiller of Manning, South Carolina, and Marvin Tiller of Toledo. Joe was kind-hearted and cherished the student-athletes he coached and his terrifically loyal assistant coaches and support staff. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Self-described as “a good guy who could also coach football,” Joe endeared himself to football fans everywhere with his personality and humility. There was much more to Joe than football. He was devoted to God and the United States of America. His interests included antiques, art, cribbage, history, wildlife and good food. He was a member of the Model A and Pioneer Car Club in Buffalo, driving his 1929 Ford Model A in parades.
A viewing will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo on October 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., followed by a rosary and time for guests to share memories and tell stories. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. John the following day at 11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Tiller 74 year old beloved family man, friend and football coach who was called home to be with the Lord September 30th, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, Wyoming with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. A vigil service will be held and the Rosary recited at the church on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday from 1:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services immediately following the Mass.
But to his family and friends he was Joe. Saying that he was a great husband and father or that he was a great friend or a great man does not do justice to the shining personality that he was.
He was a "bigger than life" character that made a singular impression on everyone who met him. If you never knew Joe to be a football coach, he would still stand out in that place in your heart where you store warm thoughts about the truly unique people who cross your path during the journey of life.
To see Joe sitting in McDonald's talking to the "old boys" in the morning you wouldn't know him from anyone else. But, take just a moment to talk to him and you knew he was special. He always took the time to listen to your story, but you needed to be ready to hear about his. You never had to guess what Joe thought about a given subject. He led with his heart on his sleeve whether it be about politics, societal issues, moral questions or just plain, old, life.
"I've always prided myself on being able to get along with anybody, whether they are a major donor or someone who comes to one game a year. I've tried to respect everybody, so I would like my legacy to be that I was a good guy who could also coach football." - Joe Tiller
Husband to Arnette. Father to Julie, Renee and Mike; and grandfather to Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori.
Arnette and family are in the process writing an obituary which will be added here shortly. Godspeed Joe. You will never be forgotten...
_____________________________
Joseph Henry Tiller was born December 7, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Josephine and Francis Tiller. Joe attended Rogers High School and then Montana State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and playing for the football team. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League and played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League during the 1964 season. In 1965, Joe embarked on a 44-year career as a football coach and administrator. He was an assistant at Montana State (1965-70), Washington State University (1971-73 and 1989-90), Purdue University (1983-86) and the University of Wyoming (1987-88). From 1974 to 1982, Joe worked as an assistant coach, interim head coach, assistant general manager, and director of administration and player personnel with Calgary in the CFL.
Joe was the head coach at Wyoming from 1991 to 1996 and at Purdue from 1997 to 2008. His six-year record at Wyoming was 39-30-1, and he led the Cowboys to the 1993 Copper Bowl. In 12 seasons at Purdue, he became the winningest coach in school history with an 87-62 record and took the Boilermakers to 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl. Purdue won the 2000 Big Ten Conference championship. Joe was the 1997 Big Ten and national Coach of the Year. His spread offense changed the way the game is played in the Big Ten. His overall 18-year head coaching record was 126-92-1, a .578 winning percentage.
In 2008, Tiller was awarded the Order of the Griffin, one of Purdue’s highest honors, given to individuals whose commitment to the university goes well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution. He was inducted into the Montana State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
On July 1, 1967, Joe married his dearly loved Arnette, and she survives, along with their three children - Julie, Renee and Mike (wife Hilda) - and four grandchildren: Paulina, Lily, Gus and Tori. Joe also is survived by brothers Charles Tiller of Manning, South Carolina, and Marvin Tiller of Toledo. Joe was kind-hearted and cherished the student-athletes he coached and his terrifically loyal assistant coaches and support staff. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Self-described as “a good guy who could also coach football,” Joe endeared himself to football fans everywhere with his personality and humility. There was much more to Joe than football. He was devoted to God and the United States of America. His interests included antiques, art, cribbage, history, wildlife and good food. He was a member of the Model A and Pioneer Car Club in Buffalo, driving his 1929 Ford Model A in parades.
A viewing will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo on October 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., followed by a rosary and time for guests to share memories and tell stories. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. John the following day at 11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Tiller 74 year old beloved family man, friend and football coach who was called home to be with the Lord September 30th, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, Wyoming with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. A vigil service will be held and the Rosary recited at the church on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday from 1:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services immediately following the Mass.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
