Joseph “Joe” Lesnefsky, age 63 passed away at his Prior Lake home on Monday, May 4, 2015 after bravely battling cancer. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Dawn and loving son, Justin, along with numerous family members and friends.
Joe was born in Camden, NJ on February 7, 1952 the fifth of seven children born to Joseph and Mary Lesnefsky. If you believed half the stories he told about growing up he survived a loving, wild childhood always staying just a few steps out of trouble. Joe took his street smarts and applied it to his early careers as a young boy. Such as persuading Campbell’s employees to buy his Yum Yum ice cream from his corner street stand. And working with the big men in the ship yard at the age of 14. Joe followed in his father’s footsteps and worked at the Schmidt’s Brewery from 1970-1986.
Joe enjoyed a couple of decades of the single life before meeting Dawn Maddocks in 1987. He always said he was waiting for a woman strong enough to settle him down. They married in January 1991 and were blessed later that year with a son, Justin. After a lifetime as a “Jersey” boy Joe and his family moved to Minnesota in 1999 to be closer to Dawn’s family. Having worked at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City, NJ for 10 years Joe easily moved to Mystic Lake Casino where he spent the last 15 years.
Joe was a strong, tough guy but for those who were lucky enough to know him he will be remembered for his sweetness and sense of humor. Joe loved to fish and he embraced the MN lake fishing, always just a few minutes away. He enjoyed getting a “load on” with friends and never missed an opportunity to make a donation to the Canterbury Card Club.
Joe was a huge supporter of sports on the sideline. He could be heard in the bleachers cheering on his son, nieces, nephews or the other team mates. If Joe wasn’t attending a game, he was watching the games on the TV. His family was most important but we can’t forget Joe’s devoted care to his animals, Sam, Bootsie and Lucky.
Although he has moved on he won’t be forgotten. For those of us lucky enough to have loved Joe we have a thousand funny stories of something he did or said he did to bring him to life.
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Kathy Freiermuth
Dawn and Justin,
So sorry to hear about Joe. We had our differences but I did love him.
Carla
Dawn,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Husband Joe. I have been thinking about your family and I know its a tough time for all of you.
I wish I had met Joe i heard he was a great guy and knowing you I am sure of it. I wish you all the best. If there is anything I can do for you to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know. All the Best Carla Kurth
Robin & Tom Almquist
Dawn and Justin,
Joe loved you so much! His family always came first. Joe was an important part of our family gatherings. He was easy to love, he put everyone he met at ease, and he left everyone with a smile. He will always be with you and he will always be part of our family. We Love You!
Amanda
I worked with Joe at Mystic Lake and when I worked at Canterbury it was a delight to serve him. He was a great man who will be dearly missed. I’m thankful for the end of his battle and pray he rest in peace.
Sally
To The Lesnefsky Family,
It saddens me to read about Joseph’s passing. God is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. (Psalm 34:18) More than anything else, a relationship with God can help you to cope with the death of someone you love. May he be with your family today and the months to come.
Mark Devine
Dawn and Justin,
I am sorry for your loss. I grew up in Camden with Joe and we had many a great times together. Joe was my Best Man when I was married in 1973. Everybody loved Joe’s great spirit in life and he was always good for a laugh among his many friends. REST IN PEACE MY GREAT FRIEND
Jim and Carol Marengo
Dawn and Justin: I can attest to the wild childhood. I grew up with Joe in Camden/ Morgan Village. They were some very good times growing up. Please accept my deepest regrets on his passing. P.S. Dawn you were the best thing that ever happen to Joe. He told me that many years ago, when we met down the shore and I know it was true. Joe please say hello to everybody for me ,Thanks.
Emily Lewis (Vesey)
My deepest sympathy to you! We lived next door to Joe for a couple of years he was always a great guy.
Johnny Cutsavage
To Dawn, Justin, and the extended Lesnefsky family,
My deepest condolences. Joe and my mom were the only people who called me Johnny as an adult. We worked at Schmidt’s together where Joe’s main job was instigating arguments, then watching the fireworks while he laughed his butt off. I enjoyed hunting and fishing with Joe and his brother John. After we didn’t shoot a deer we would return to Mrs. L’s kitchen and drink coffee while Joe tortured and teased his Mom, Sisters and Nieces. He thought he was a tough guy but inside he was a big teddy bear with a heart of gold.
Cindy Karis
Dear Dawn & Justin, We will always remember Joe with his warm smile and devotion to his family. Such a joy to recall the good times in Atco & the Jersey shore. We are blessed to have him in our extended family. Love & good times live on in our hearts!
Love & hugs, Cindy, Harold & Jackie
Mary & Bill Shayka
Dawn & Justin R.I.P joe least your no longer in pain John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so shall believe in him shall not parish but have everlasting life