Joseph James Menzel, 25 of Jelm WY, formerly of Grand Rapids MN, was surrounded by his family in his home when he walked into his eternal home with Jesus on April 9, 2020.
Joe was born in Grand Rapids MN on March 7, 1995 to Keith and Lori Menzel. Despite his life- long battle with kidney disease and other health issues Joe was a joy to be with. He had a big heart and was never a quitter. He loved to snowmobile, ATV, go hunting and shooting. Thanks to places like the Courage Center in Duluth MN and Adaptive Adventures in Colorado Joe was also able to learn to sitski (Monoski), which he loved. He loved the mountains and being outdoors. Joe will be greatly missed. He touched many hearts with his courage and ability to overcome his disabilities.
Joe is preceded in death by his great grandparents and his grandfather Robert Menzel.
He is survived by his parents Keith and Lori Menzel of Jelm, WY; sister, Miranda (Grant); nephew, Lincoln and niece, Grace Graupmann of Dayton, OH; brothers, Bryan Menzel of Cohasset and Robert (Erika Rokala) Menzel of Cohasset; grandparents, Dale and Marlene Brown of Grand Rapids and James and Ruth Berg of Cohasset; uncles, Tom (Deb) Berg of Grand Rapids, Steve (Carrie) Berg of Deer River; aunts, Barb (Dave) Gibeau of Grand Rapids, Kathy (Bruce) Evert of Sabin, Michelle (Shane) Fields of Oak Grove (all of MN) as well as numerous great aunts and uncles and many many cousins.
Private family services will be held.
23 Comments To "Joseph James Menzel"
#1 Comment By Don and Cyndi Phelps On April 11, 2020 @ 3:27 pm
Menzel family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all The Phelps family
#2 Comment By Elizabeth Brown On April 11, 2020 @ 4:00 pm
What a blessing it has been for me personally, to get to know Joe and his family. I feel that people come into your life for a reason and just having that friendship, with a young man, who taught me to fight for, and love all I have. He will be forever missed.
#3 Comment By Lisa and Mike Olson On April 11, 2020 @ 6:05 pm
Lori, Keith and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember Joe always had a smile on his face despite all of his physical struggles. He sure new how to spread joy!
May God’s love and peace fill your emptiness and heal your sorrows.
#4 Comment By JoAnn Bakken On April 18, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
To Joey’s family, I was one of Joe’s teachers at the Middle School and I remember his laugh, his upbeat attitude , his beautiful smile and his love for his friends and family. He loved school, but not necessarily all the work, but he always would give it a try. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. JoAnn Bakken, Val Mackley, Nikki Mattfield, Deb Olson, Sue Loidolt.
#5 Comment By Tim and Kathy Jackson On April 11, 2020 @ 6:25 pm
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in Joey’s passing.❤️
#6 Comment By Cindy Hansmann On April 11, 2020 @ 6:55 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. Know that I’m thinking about you and sending you big hugs and prayers.
#7 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 9:24 am
Thank you
#8 Comment By susan Romanik On April 13, 2020 @ 4:08 pm
Lori and Keith,
Joe’s light has not gone out, but shines even brighter in heaven, as the spirit outlives the physical. Still, it is so very hard for those left behind, my sincerest condolences. Continue to take care of each other. Susan Romanik
#9 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 9:24 am
Thank you Suzi. We know that he is no longer suffering and is 100% free from the physical challenges he had here. He will be greatly missed.
#10 Comment By Ellen Edvenson On April 13, 2020 @ 4:24 pm
To Lori, Keith and family: We had the pleasure of being Joey’s early childhood teachers in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Joey was a happy boy who worked hard to participate in everything with his classmates despite his health issues. He had a strong voice and loved to sing with classmates at circle time. Please accept our sympathy at his passing. Connie Kotonias and Ellen Edvenson
#11 Comment By Tammy Yates On April 13, 2020 @ 6:22 pm
So Sorry ! Thinking and praying for your family .
He will be missed !! The last time I saw him before he moved he was helping me pick out a tv at Walmart .
He was telling me all about them . He was such a great guy ! Sending love your way as you go through this difficult time .
#12 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 9:22 am
Thank you Tammi
#13 Comment By Roberta Thomas On April 14, 2020 @ 3:16 am
I’m so sorry for your lost Menzel family. I was one of joe close friend Roberta Thomas alone with Jaedan felcyn, Callie jo, Amber palera. We are so sorry to here your lost. He was a great person to be around we loved him dearly Love his friends
#14 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 8:51 am
Although Joe loved his Wyoming home he greatly missed his Minnesota friends. Thank you for the condolences.
#15 Comment By Kim and Eileen Johnson On April 14, 2020 @ 6:52 am
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these tough days. God bless your family.
#16 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 9:21 am
Thank.you
#17 Comment By Leatha Lemen On April 14, 2020 @ 8:32 am
Our hearts are with you dear people as we remember and celebrate Joe’s life. We treasure our memories of him and anticipate reunion by God’s grace and our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our love and prayers for you….
#18 Comment By Lori Menzel On April 15, 2020 @ 8:50 am
Thank you Mrs. Lemen. You are a blessing to us.
#19 Comment By Samuel Grigsby On April 15, 2020 @ 11:31 am
So sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers.
#20 Comment By Meghan & Brayden Stockey On April 16, 2020 @ 4:45 am
Sending love and prayers to the Menzel family from our home to yours. Thank you Lord for bringing Joe and his family into our lives, very blessed to have known such a great guy.
#21 Comment By Denny & Cheryl Lemlr On April 16, 2020 @ 12:49 pm
Keith, Lori and family, our deepest sympathy go out to you. Whenever we would see Joe he was always upbeat and had a smile. I know Den enjoyed the time he shared with Joe at the fire hall. It is very hard to lose a child, but knowing they are in heaven bringing sunshine and smiles to everyone helps. Prayers and blessings to everyone.
#22 Comment By Patty CarlinJanssen On May 7, 2020 @ 7:55 pm
Lori and Keith – Many times this past month I’ve thought about your family. It’s the thousands of little connections (driving past Elida, watching a show where someone needs an organ transplant, this being nurses week, talking about getting our cars detailed, someone mentioning jazz choir, and of course AC/DC) that trigger a memory. Peace to you, my friends.
Patty CarlinJanssen
#23 Comment By Sue Dekich On May 21, 2020 @ 8:14 am
Dear Keith, Lori and Joey’s family,
I was one of Joey’s middle school teachers at RJEMS in Grand Rapids and so enjoyed him! Joey was always quick with a smile and greeting snd we had a good relationship! Years later I was greeted by that same smiling face at WalMart! I am so sorry to have just learned of his passing and my heart is full of sorrow as I send this to you. I will always remember his determination and our time together. My thought and prayers are with you all. Joey certainly brought joy to so many! Sue Dekich