It's with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Joseph M. Gilsdorf, of a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Joe was born May 22, 1951, to Donald and Doris Gilsdorf in Minnesota. He started school in Mounds View, Minnesota, until the 7th grade and moved up to the farm in Finlayson, Minnesota, to graduate from Finlayson High School with the class of 1969. He went on to Vo-Tech earning a degree in drafting, working at Leo's Gas Station in Sandstone to earn his way.

Joe married Debbie McVey in 1971, they later divorced. He went on to marry Karla Oksanen and they were together for over 45 years. His pride and joy were his daughters, Shana (with Debbie), and Krissy with his wife Karla.

He worked various jobs and moved to Gillette to work in the oil fields putting in over 10 years. Joe then went to work for Exxon Coal and then Peabody Coal for 30-plus years, first at Caballo mine, then the Rawhide mine, retiring in 2014.

Joe was a playful and fun guy and sometimes rather mischievous. He started out young with his love of motorcycles and cars. He enjoyed going to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and lots of car shows. Joe had a vast knowledge of older cars, motorcycles, Mopars and Harleys being his favorites. He could identify parts and pieces just by looking at them.

Joe enjoyed traveling to see family, friends and especially "car trips," as the girls called them. Rarely did we go on a road trip that wasn't to look at car or motorcycle stuff.

Joe is survived by his wife, Karla; daughters, Shana (Lenny) Morgan, and Krissy (Joel Schommer) Oksanen; his very special granddaughters, Andrea Gilsdorf and Alyssa Morgan; brother, Ben (Debbie) Gilsdorf; sisters, Beth (Peter) Newland, Faye (Dennis-deceased) Sewill, and Judy (Kevin) Gilsdorf-Gracie; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and lots of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Gilsdorf and his wife, Darlene; mother, Doris Sharpe; grandparents; and brothers- and sisters-in-law.