Joel Abernathy

To the friends and family of Joel,

To say his departure left a hole in my heart would be both an overstatement and an understatement.  He will forever live in my heart and the hearts of those he held dearest.  He leaves behind brothers and a sister all of whom he cared deeply for.  He also leaves behind his own family he started so many years ago. 

Joel started his life in Mankato, Minnesota, the son of Katherine Spence Czaplewski in 1960, who preceded him in death not so many years ago.   He grew up with his two brothers and a sister and had the good fortune to connect with his half brothers later in life.  Joel also had several nieces and a nephew who were a very important part of his life.

Joel had many adventures growing up.  Augie a good family friend mentored him and taught him hunting, fishing, and trapping.  Joel loved the outdoors.  As he became a man he enlisted in the Army learning different skills to include mechanics.  Joel loved being able to repair things a passion he would pursue all his life. 

Joel had an amazing sense of creativity, seeing things for what they could be not just what they were.  His imagination led him on many adventures both in the living room and outdoors.  He loved cooking, making cheese, baking and barbecuing, especially when his grandchildren were there to help.

While in the Army we met and married and started a beautiful family of our own.  Our two children each gave us two grandchildren.  Jackie our daughter, and her children Sam and Hana and Michael our son, with his wife Morgan gave us Piper and Cohen, all of whom Joel adored.  His family was his overwhelming passion and he would do anything for them.  He went from being Dad to being Grandpa and sometimes Grumpa.

Joel battled and beat cancer then as a last precaution he had surgery to remove any chance of the cancer returning.  That battle he lost to post surgical complications.

Our retirement and twilight years together were taken from us but the memories we shared and his love for family will live on forever.

The family has decided to delay any viewing or service until a later date when we can share the time and memories with those from out of state.

To my angel, in Heaven, I miss you so much.

Marie