General Information
Full Name: Joseph S. Kurkowski, Jr.

Date of Birth: October 7, 1938

Date of Death: March 16, 2013

Joseph’s life story

Joe Kurkowski

Joseph Stanley Kurkowski, Jr. was born on October 7, 1938 in Grenville, SD to parents Joseph and Irene (Wojcik) Kurkowski. He was the second oldest of six children. Joe’s childhood years were spent in Grenville. When Joe was 13, his father died, and shortly thereafter the family moved to New Ulm, MN.

At age 17, Joe enlisted into the US Navy and served his country for four years. One of his highlights was being in Japan.

When Joe met Francoise Tilliet, his life would change forever. After a period of courtship they were married on May 17, 1968 in New Ulm. They were blessed with three children, Brigitte, Marc and Brenda.
Joe spent his career in the drywall business, working most of his career for Olympic Drywall. His career was cut short, as he had a stroke on the job which caused him to retire.

Shortly after their marriage, Joe and Francoise moved to Burnsville and Bloomington before building a home in Prior Lake. After the kids were out of the house, Joe decided to tear down their cabin on Cedar Lake and permanently move into his “dream home” that he helped build.

Joe enjoyed fishing with his family, especially up in Canada. The annual deer hunting trips with his son, and other family members were an annual event he always looked forward to. Joe’s other passions were slot machines, having a “perfect yard”, making sure the fireplace was on, sitting in the driveway watching the cars go by and cruising Cedar Lake on his pontoon. His travels included Switzerland, Italy, Monte Carlo, French Riveria, Germany, Begium, England and many family trips in the US.

Known as a handy man, a generous man and a good dad, Joe died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, March 16, 2013

Joe will be deeply missed by his wife, Francoise; children, Brigitte Kurkowski, Marc (Judith) Kurkowski, Brenda (David) Kling; grandchildren, MaKayla, Michael, and Brittany Kurkowski, Trinity, Dawson and Aidan Kling; sisters, Caroline (Jerry) Richter, Maxine Kurkowski, Arlene (Dennis) Sperl; brothers Gerald (Sue) Kurkowski, Ronald (Karen) Kurkowski; stepfather, Walter Block; step sister, Sandra Tauer, step brother, James (Dorothy) Block and step grandchildren. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene Kurkowski.

Joe’s pall bearers will be Michael Kurkowski, Makayla Kurkowski, Greg Barrett, Nathan Sperl, Mike Helget, Terry Richter, Jeremy Kurkowski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 21at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10-11, all at the Church of St. Michael, 16311 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake, Father Tom Sieg will officiate. Joe will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military.

The Kurkowski family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.

Visitation
When:Thursday, March 21, 2013, 10-11 a.m.
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

Service Information
When:Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m.
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

Interment
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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