Joseph Milton Johnson died peacefully in his sleep Friday October 1, 2010 at the age of 59 years. He had been visiting his sister in Amery, WI at the time of his death.

Joseph was born August 18, 1951 in Staples, MN to Milton and Bertha (Jenssen) Johnson. He was the second of three children. During high school, he studied drafting and design at the Staples Vocational School. In 1968, he graduated from Staples High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War.

Following his discharge he was employed as a millwright, woodworker, and truck driver. Later he was self-employed as a custom cabinet maker. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, football, barbecuing, photography, and wood working, and he treasured his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Bertha. He is survived by his daughters, Jill (Andrew) Wilson and Andrea (Michael) Kist and sons Eric Johnson and Jason Johnson, three grandchildren: Piper and Haley Wilson and Dylan Kist, sisters Julie (Stanley) Antolak and Lori (Johnson) Rosenkvist, three nieces and three nephews, aunts and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN, followed by refreshments. Interment will be on Monday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Staples.