Joseph James Zschokke

Joseph James Zschokke

Our beloved Joe was born on March 27, 1952, and passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2026. Joe grew up on the East Side of Saint Paul, where he developed two lifelong passions: cars and music. A talented mechanic and drummer, he brought energy and joy to everything he did. After graduating from Harding High School, he proudly served in the United States Navy. While working at 3M, Joe attended classes at St. Paul Business College. He went on to spend 36 years with 3M in Automotive Services and later as a Materials Supervisor in the Aviation Department. Joe and his wife, Nancy, retired to Cottage Grove, where he enjoyed restoring his 1940 Ford; which brought him great happiness. They most recently relocated to Corcoran, Minnesota, to be closer to grandchildren. Joe will be remembered for his warm smile, infectious laugh, generous heart, and countless jokes. He was deeply loyal, kind to everyone he met, and treasured time spent with family and friends. Few things were more comforting than one of Joe's signature hugs. His joyful spirit touched many lives and will be dearly missed. Joe was preceded in death by his grandfather, Anthony; mother, Helen; father, Eugene; stepmother, Betty; first wife, Bonita; sister, Bonnie; and brothers, Mike, Bobby; and granddaughter Sylvia. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughters, Raeann (Serena) and Katie (Adam); sons, Ryan and Joe (Amy); grandchildren, Jacob, Tyler, Lucas, Matthew, Sydney, Gabriel, Elliot, and August; brothers, Wally, Rick (Karen), and Ron (Robin); sisters, Georgia (Jerry), Genie (Harold), Betty (Ignacio), Robin (Dan), Holly, and Ginny; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and cherished friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 8694 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment with full military honors will take place on Wednesday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Guests are asked to arrive in Assembly Area #2 by 12:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs in Joe's honor.