Joe Appeldorn

Joseph “Joe” Paul Appeldorn was born to Hank and Maxine (Smith) Appeldorn on May 17, 1956 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Joe grew up in Pipestone, graduating from Pipestone Public High School in 1974. Following his high school graduation, Joe moved to the Twin Cities and attended North Hennepin Vocational School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joe completed his education in carpentry in 1976 and moved to Edina, Minnesota, where he lived for over 40 years. Over those 40 years, Joe worked as a custom wood craftsman, and more recently was working at J.D. Woodcraft in the Twin Cities. After a hard fought battle with cancer, Joe died peacefully in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the age of 62 years, eight months, and five days.

While living in Pipestone, Joe was a member of the St. Leo Catholic Church and was baptized there. Joe had a great love of fishing and spending time outdoors. As a true Minnesotan, Joe would enthusiastically cheer on the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins, win or lose. Family was one of the most important parts of Joe’s life. He enjoyed family celebrations and get-togethers. One of his favorite family activities was going to the casino with his brothers, brothers-in-law, and his nephews.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his mother, Maxine Appeldorn of Brookings, South Dakota; his brothers and sisters, Linn (Dick) Merkley of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sue (Mike) Bredeck of Madison, Minnesota, Dave Appeldorn of Phoenix, Arizona, Jim (Kim) Appeldorn of Shoreview, Minnesota, and Mike (Teri) Appeldorn of Tea, South Dakota; his sister-in-law, Ardie Appeldorn of Marshall, Minnesota; many loving nieces and nephews; and many other loving friends and family members. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Hank; and his brothers, Jeff and Tom.