Joe Douty

Joseph Lee Douty was born on February 14, 1976 to Bob and Meiko (Enobi) Douty in Fayetteville, North Carolina where Bob was stationed with the military at the time.  In 1979 the family moved back to Pipestone, Minnesota where Joe started school.  He enjoyed playing many sports during his school years and the love of the game continued on with him throughout his life.  He attended Pipestone-Jasper High School, graduating in 1994.  Prior to graduation, Joe attended basic training during the summer before his senior year at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  After graduation, Joe attended Mankato State University where, depending on the year, he studied different things. While attending Mankato State he met Alison Pantekoek.  He returned to Pipestone to work for his dad at Wilson Manufacturing.  On August 26, 2000, he and Alison were united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran Church  in Pipestone. In March of 2002 their daughter, Mataya was born. In August, 2003 he was deployed with the Battery Alpha, 1st Battalion 125th Field Artillery Regiment  of Pipestone, Minnesota. They were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, this deployment ended in March of 2004. In August of 2004 the couple was blessed with the birth of their second daughter, Kindra.  In October of 2005, Joe was deployed a second time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was deployed with the Minnesota National Guard for 22 months, 16 of which were spent in a combat zone. This deployment is the longest in history for any unit in the United States Army National Guard. He returned in July of 2007. In April of 2009 they were blessed with their third daughter, Kaysa.  Joe continued to work at Wilson Manufacturing. In July of 2011, Joe was deployed for a third time, this time in support of Operation New Dawn with forward station Baghdad, Joe was part of the US historical withdrawal of US forces leaving Iraq. Joe was one of the last Soldiers to leave Iraq. He returned in April of 2012. In  October  of  2013, the couple  was  blessed  with the  birth of a son, Greyden. 

In 2017, Joe and Alison bought Wilson Manufacturing from Bob and Meiko and became the new owners.  Joe continued to serve in the Minnesota National Guard until he retired in October of 2019 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He served for over 26 years.  Joe passed away suddenly at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton, Minnesota on Sunday, September 3, 2023.  Joe had spent the day at Lake Shetek with his family, doing what he loved.

Joe was a member of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone but often attended St. Paul Lutheran Church with his family as well.  Joe was a member of the Pipestone Fire Department for 24 years.  He was also a member of the board for SW MN CEO program and was the President of the Pipestone/Jasper Athletic Hall of Fame.  He also volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels once a week.  Joe Douty was the best father.   He loved what his kids loved.  He proudly attended all of their events.  Joe was intelligent, friendly, and occasionally stubborn.  He was particular, and conscious of the details and was always the planner of all the things.  He planned out family trips, and trips with each of his daughters and all friend group trips.  He loved his wife, Alison, and he was proud of how great a mom and wife she has always been.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife, Alison, of Pipestone; his kids, Mataya "Potada", Kindra "Kinny Binny," Kaysa "Crunch," and Greyden "JJ";  his mother and father, Meiko and Bob Douty of Pipestone; brothers, Jeff (Kristie) Douty of Jamestown, North Dakota and their children, Dawson (Abby, and their daughter, Everly), and Addisyn, and Brian (Shelley) Douty of Rice, Minnesota; his mother- and father-in-law, Carol and Dick Pantekoek of Pipestone; brothers-in-law, Brian (Lisa) Pantekoek of Pennock, Minnesota, Lance Pantekoek of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Craig (Lisa) Pantekoek of Cedar, Minnesota, and Kyle (Jenny) Pantekoek of Garretson, South Dakota; many aunts, uncles, cousins and  special friends; and his two dogs, Baxter and Moca.

In lieu of flowers, please donate money to Pipestone Forward [Link to Facebook page] with a designation for one or more of Joe’s passion projects: SW MN CEO program, PAS High Senior Banner Project, and most recently Joe’s brain child of a brand new score board for the PAS Softball Field. Undesignated funds will be directed at the discretion of the family.