Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 16, 2023. Preceded in death by parents, Mac & Alice; brothers, Cliff, Bob & Ron; sister, Maxine. Survived by loving wife of 45 years, Mary Lynn; children, Eric, Julie (Brian), Ryan (Amber), Mark (Kelly), Laura & Tom; grandchildren, Brooke, Everett, Alice, Clare, Rose, Mabel & Joseph; siblings, Rosie, Jenny, Geri Sullivan, Judy, Lucy Burger & Mike; also many other family & friends.
Joe Adrian was born in Forest Lake, Minnesota and grew up on a farm near Hastings, Minnesota with 10 siblings. As a kid, he lived a simple life. He had a lot of fun playing with his brothers and sisters, and swinging on ropes in the barn. He also enjoyed participating in 4H and playing on softball teams.
He graduated from Hastings High School in 1966 and soon after enlisted in the service. He served in the marines where he fought overseas in Vietnam. Joe was awarded a purple heart as well as a Commendation Medal. When he returned home from overseas, he went to the University of Minnesota and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
After college, Joe began working as a carpenter because he liked to work with his hands and wanted to build a home of his own. In the fall of 1975, Joe met Mary Lynn Stoffels at a dance at Withrows Ballroom. Joe thought Mary Lynn was the “funniest gal he’s ever met” and Mary Lynn was drawn to his beautiful blue eyes.They got married on April 22nd, 1977, and were blessed to start their family about a year later. After their first son Eric was born, they purchased 15 acres in Inver Grove Heights where Joe built a house. It is there where they raised 6 children Eric, Julie, Ryan, Mark, Laura and Tom and where he lived the rest of his life.
In his thirties Joe became a Realtor and began to invest in real estate. He enjoyed using his carpentry skills to fix-up properties and he liked working with tenants. Joe and Mary Lynn used the money made from rentals to send the 6 kids to college. Joe had a lot of hobbies and liked to stay active. The family went on several camping and canoeing adventures. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards, chess, hockey, and softball. Joe was the coach of the Eagan Knights of Columbus softball team for several years and a coveted shortstop in his younger years.
Joe remained active and adventurous, skiing and traveling well into his 70s. When he was 70, he was diagnosed with an aggressive stage IV cancer. He made significant shifts in his diet to support nourishment and vitality while consciously choosing to live each day to the fullest. Joe was a great inspiration to all of us during the last few years of his life. He infused his life with positivity, often speaking of his blessings. When Joe was asked recently what he loved most about his life, he said “helping people.” He died at the age of 74 in his home with his family.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, January 24th at St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass at church with lunch to follow. There will be an opportunity to share your favorite story about Joe at lunch. Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Salvation Army.