Joseph "Joe" Shotliff

Joseph Robert Shotliff, 67, of Henderson, MN, passed away on September 24, 2025. A Time of Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 11 AM - 2 PM with a Funeral Service at 2 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 1st St. W., Jordan, MN. Followed by a motorcycle-led Burial Procession to Calvary Cemetery. An additional celebration will be held for Joe at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at Charlie's, 523 Main Street, Henderson.

On April 26, 1958, Joe was born to Robert and Ruth Shotliff of Jordan. Where he grew up as one of 9 siblings in their brick Home near the Waterfalls. Just across Sand Creek from the Baseball Field and the Mill Pond, and just across the road from the old Brewery, there was lots to do in the neighborhood. He explored, he fished, he swam, he ice-skated, he played football and baseball. His childhood Home hosted the greater Shotliff family for Holidays and Reunions for generations to come.

Joe married Tammy Lewis, and together, they raised a family of 4 children before later divorcing. They spent their early years at Valley Green Park. In 1996, Joe bought an empty lot in Henderson and began building a home on it in the hours that he wasn’t working his full-time concrete job. From foundation to rooftop, he pushed to have the family moved in by December 23rd that year. Where the family gathered to share their first meal in the new house, chicken noodle soup. Establishing a tradition known as “National Soup Day” on the anniversary of that date. Following the move, Joe got his license to become a General Contractor and began building homes for others.

Joe was a competitor. Gifted with strong will, sharp focus, disciplined skills, and raw strength. Whether he was shooting pool or playing cards with family, friends, or strangers, he always tried to win. He enjoyed the outdoors. Fishing, he caught his share of the keepers. In hunting, Joe especially took pride in his trophy buck, named Fred. That he left with its massive rack sticking up out of his truck bed for a few days as he drove around town before getting it processed.

Quiet, capable, and confident. Often seen at Charlie’s drinking a Diet Coke while reading a Newspaper. Music spoke to his soul. The right song would cause him to suddenly burst out of his usual calmness. Every preset button on the radio of his minivan was saved to 92.5. He seemed to have a knack for winning concert tickets by calling in. And if he pulled into the driveway while a good song was playing, he would keep the vehicle running and listen until it was done.

He was a lifetime member of the Clean Plate Club. He attended his children’s activities and was present for family functions. He had Faith. He was a supportive father and a reliable friend. He could always be called on for a favor. He sweated gallons and never complained. He snacked on Snickers. He preferred Grainbelt Premium. He played solitaire, cribbage, bingo, and pull-tabs. He rode his Harley to Sturgis and back. He went to Coffee with the guys. And in his later years, he had Robin Crosby at his side.

Joe was a great man. He was loved and respected. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly.

He is survived by his children, Angie (Jason) Fernandes, Chris (Sarah) Shotliff, Curtis (Katelyn) Shotliff; grandchildren, Mason, Conner, Gavin, Jackson, Josephine, Gabriel, Ezekiel, and Luella; partner, Robin Crosby; sisters, Mary Ann Mittelstadt, Peggy Shotliff, Paula (Todd) Williams, Bonnie Shotliff, Gina Shotliff; brothers, Tony (Mary) Shotliff, Nick Shotliff; and other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Bobby Shotliff; parents, Robert and Ruth Shotliff; sister, Suzie Shotliff; infant brother; Steven; and brother-in-law, Joe Mittelstadt.