Joseph William Pekarna
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On December 11, 2023 @ 3:31 pm In 2023,Obituaries | 19 Comments
Joseph William Pekarna, age 90, a longtime resident of Jordan, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 3-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First Street West, Jordan and on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. He will be laid to rest at a private family burial at St. John Calvary Cemetery, in Jordan.
Livestreaming will be available at St. Michael Catholic Church’s website https://stmichael-pl.org/ and by clicking on the “Mass and Services” tab.
A well-timed joke with your mouth full of fluoride, a splash of water on your chair noticed too late, a steady and comforting hand: Dr. Joe dedicated his life to making people smile.
Joe Pekarna was born on March 8, 1933, in Minneapolis, MN to Joseph A and Rosanna (Friedel) Pekarna. In 1934, the family moved back to Jordan to continue the family business—Pekarna Meat Market. Joe attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School, and then Jordan High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, earning 1950 All-District honors in football.
After high school, Joe attended St. Thomas University and then the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. On June 28, 1958, he married Ellen Dufek. Together, they made their home in Jordan, raising seven children.
After serving as the town’s dentist for 56 years, Dr. Joe retired in 2014. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, golfing with friends, fishing with family, singing in the church choir, gardening, walking his beloved dog, and cheering on the Twins, Gophers, and Vikings.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ellen; children, Bill (Sonja) Pekarna, Marty (Mary) Pekarna, Joe (Mary Beth) Pekarna, Peg (Don) Olsem, Nancy (Jim) Goham, Jean (Lance) Schroeder, Tim (Tricia) Pekarna; 24 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jo (Bill) Gilmore, Sue Bruins, Margaret “Mugs” Pekarna, and many loving relatives, former patients, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank (Cele) Pekarna, and brother-in-law Ralph Bruins.
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Rest in peace Joe I will remember the fun things back and forth on the text messages that we did and how happy you always were to get the cookies God bless you I love you
Our sympathy to the Pekarna family. We remember well seeing Joe, our neighbor for many years, working in his yard or flower garden as we would drive down Cedar Lane Drive. Joe always had a smile and a friendly wave. Rest in peace. Rich & Lindsey Hofer
Not everyone can say they have great memories of going to the dentist, especially when you were a kid but I did!! Dr. Joe would have WDGY on the radio and he would be singing along to all the songs!! You’d be so busy trying not to giggle, you’d forget you were having dental work done!! It worked out great!! Thanks for the fun memories Doc Joe……..heaven has one more smiling face tonite.
The one aspect of life that I do not enjoy is that as time goes forward all the great people that helped shape your life go away. Joe I can still feel the water you would squirt over the divider at me in the waiting room as I nervously waited for my turn in the dentist chair. As a grade school kid you don’t know how much that put me at ease. When I returned from the Air Force you arranged with the government to repair what couldn’t be done in the service. Lately I enjoyed the time we spent standing next to each other in the choir. Thanks Joe for everything and I’ll keep the chair next to me open this weekend so you can sing with me again.
God Speed Joe.
Ellie and family, my sincerest sympathy. Joe was one of a kind. His humor touched the hearts of many. What a legacy he left. In my prayers.
I can’t imagine a world without Joe – Bill got an amazing Christmas present – I only hope heaven is ready for their big reunion – love/peace, Mary
Dr. Joe was a wonderful dentist and valued member of the Jordan community. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the Pekarna family. I had the pleasure of working for your dad for a summer or two. Whenever a kid I knew was in his chair, he would tell them I was either giving them their novacaine or pulling their teeth! He chaperoned our senior band trip, and had the privilege of waking up four tired teenage girls. He would pound on the door and yell, “Get up sleeping beauties!” One morning he pounded and I flew open the door. Startling him, he yelled, “Wow you’re ugly in the morning!” Years and years later he would always greet me with, “Hi, Ugly!” We would laugh and laugh. He had the best sense of humor and always left me laughing. How wonderful to have had so many years of laughter with him.
Peg, Don, Jon and family: We are so very sorry for your loss. Hold on tight to your wonderful memories. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Rick, Lori & Sam Goedtke
I was so sad to hear about Joe, heaven has gained another Angel.
Ellie you and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathies and condolences for the Pekarna family. I always enjoyed singing in the church choir with Joe and his great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Dr Pekarna was my first dentist. Besides lots of jokes, I remember him singing along to “King of the Road” by Roger Miller playing over the radio while he worked on my teeth, which I later looked up the lyrics, which turned into a love for vintage country music.
Going to miss spotting him driving that convertible around town.
Thanks Joe for making my smile sparkle and some good songs. Thinking of his family at this time.
So sorry for your loss. Joe was one of the good ones. He will be greatly missed
Mike & Mary Gregory
What a character! I feel blessed to have known him. Many great choir memories. Heaven has surely gained a feisty angel. Hugs to Ellie and your beautiful family!
My condolences to Ellie and family. Many fond memories of our golfing adventures and his ability to make us laugh. He will be missed.
Kathy and I are deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our condolences during this difficult time.
Our hearts go to you Ellie and family. We both thought very highly of Joe and you. Wonderful guy and good friend. He will be sorely missed
So sorry to for your loss our thoughts and hearts go out to the Pekarna family. We were grateful and blessed to know Joe all be it brief. Will sorely miss him strolling by with his dog Missy, riding his mower as we rode past one another cutting our lawns and seeing him enjoying gardening and the occasional chat. Joe was a great friend and neighbor. Rest in peace
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My heart goes out to the Pekarna Family. May you cherish loving memories of your Dad. He has left a legacy of amazing children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each one carries him in their hearts. God Bless!