Joseph “Joe” Showalter, age 59, of Isanti died unexpectedly September 13, 2021 at Cambridge Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 20th at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, September 19th at Strike Life Tributes in CAMBRIDGE, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Click here to watch livestream service at First Baptist Church.
Joseph Leo Showalter was born in St. Paul on March 31, 1962 to John W. Showalter and Joanne (McGonigal) Showalter. He met Jodie during his junior year of high school, and they began dating 7/27/1979. Joe graduated from St. Paul Harding High School in 1980. He studied photography at Dakota County Technical College, class of 1984. Joe and Jodie were married 7/20/1985, Joe worked at a photo lab in Osseo MN until he was hired at 3M on November 3, 1986. (Retired 12/31/2017).
March 21, 1987, his first born, James Joseph was born. Shortly after Jimmy was born, Joe was approached by a district commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, she remembered how dedicated Joe was to his Boy Scout Troop and told Joe the troop was dying and needed leadership. He recruited some friends and agreed to be an “Assistant Scout Master”, however, when he came home after the first meeting, he had Jodie remove the “Assistant patch” and replace it with the “Scout Master” patch.
July 6, 1989, Jason Thomas was born. When both boys were ready to start cub scouts, he got Jodie to become a Den leader and continue in the Cub Pack until the boys graduated to Boy Scouts. Joe worked hard with all the boys in his troop and eventually became the proud parent of two Eagle Scouts. Joe earned the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award on 02/02/2002, also made Order of the Arrow Vigil. Joe and his boys volunteered a lot with many scouting events.
Joe didn’t stay long in the photography field and was moving more into computers. Joe was involved with the initiation of using the internet to place orders between 3M and their customers. He received a plaque of recognition as a founding member of the innovation network. He received a large enough monthly raise to buy himself his first mid-life crisis automobile, 1997 Jeep Wrangler. He got to order what colors he wanted (interior and exterior), the type of running boards, the hard top and the rag top, and of course the removable doors.
Joe continued to move up the ladder at 3M but needed more education to go further, so he went to night school for 5 years. He studied at Cardinal Stritch University and received his BS MIS in 2001.
In 2003, he was blessed with the opportunity to have another mid-life crisis big purchase. 2003 Harley Davidson (the 100-year edition), which of course he had to accessorize. Joe, and his family moved from St. Paul to Isanti 12/28/2004. Although the kids have grown and moved out, Joe and Jodie continue to consider Isanti their home. Joe retired from 3M as an IT Information Rights Management Lead on 12/31/2017.
Joe lived life to the fullest. He loved learning about people, and he loved learning new things. Joe went all in on every interest and hobby you could think of. Once he obtained the gear for each hobby, he had to accessorize and get backups for everything. Joe was instrumental in keeping up with social media; he kept everyone up to date with his life on Facebook, with almost 1300 friends and over 200 followers. Everyone knew what he was up to. He even developed a Facebook page for our neighborhood, which is the best neighborhood anyone could ever ask for. Joe was a very giving man. He would buy things from schools, clubs, or organizations just to help them out, which is where a lot of his hobbies began. He attended many fundraisers such as MDHA (Minnesota Deer Hunters Association), Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever banquets. He was on the board for Recycled lives. He volunteered to make mini donuts, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones and much more for many fundraisers, events, and parties. He volunteered 4 years for the John Beargrease dog sled races. He volunteered at First Baptist Church of Cambridge on the Worship team running power point, sound, and live streaming.
During his time at 3M he had been part of the 3M trap shooting club, 3M Motorcycle club, 3M Ham Radio Club, and even the 3M quilting club (just to get Jodie started in a hobby of her own). Joe was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Stillwater MN, Sons of the American Legion in Forest Lake MN, Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club in Harris MN, Lifetime member of the NRA, St. Paul Police Band, Lifetime member of American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Skywarn Spotter, Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and was the Isanti County Emergency Coordinator. Joe was a gun safety instructor, range officer, and youth shooting sports coach, and partner with Patrick Moore in SAFE Carry (MN personal carry) classes and has helped most of Isanti County learn the safe way to handle and store firearms.
Some of his hobbies include playing guitar, wood working, welding, black smithing, metal machinery, motor cycling, bike riding, (recently started e-biking), rock climbing, geocaching, soap making, wine making, 3D printing, making dog tags, making stencils, making labels with his vinyl cutter, metal detecting, flying his drone, ice fishing, pinball, scuba diving (in his earlier years), playing cribbage on a league for the Forest Lake American Legion, camping (from back packing, to tents, to pop up trailer camping, to camping in a tipi, then finally after retiring he began “glamping” in a travel trailer). We camped many years at “rendezvous” (pre-1840 re-enactments). He enjoyed shooting and of course Ham Radio.
You can guarantee he was and still is probably doing something incredible right now!
Joe died unexpectedly on Monday, September 13, 2021 at the age of 59. He is preceded in death by his father, John W Showalter, and his mother-in-law, Judy Bland.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jodie; sons, Jim and Jason; brother, John (Nancy); mother, Joanne, father-in-law, Ralph Bland; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Johnson; brothers-in-law, Bill Bland, Dennis Bland (Fawn); nieces and nephews: Michael Showalter, Dustin, Jerimiah, and Shauna Johnson, Samuel, Josephine, and Riley Bland.
Joe was a man of many great things. He helped those who couldn’t help themselves.
I moved my family here to isanti a few years ago , we didn’t know anyone here and I was not expecting the open arms joe and Jodie lend to us , I am forever grateful for the time we had with Joe , my children consider them grandparents. Every interaction with that man tought me something new
Joe was so accepting and supportive of women in Boy Scouts. I didn’t realize until I counted the years- I’ve known Joe and Jodie more than 30 years. So much talent in singing and guitar playing, so wise, so intelligent, and so generous. So full of Christian faith and being in service at his church and everywhere. Hope you’re playing and singing all the campfire songs, especially ‘Waltzing Matilda.’
We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Such a nice man, a great American man. Jodie you and Joe are in our prayers.
Joe was an amazing and funny guy. I am proud to have been able to know him.
Joe what a great guy. I did’nt get to know him well, but I do know he was generous, funny and a man that got things done. Something must be broken in heaven, cause Joe was a handyman. Too soon. Best regards, very respectfully.
We were shocked to hear Joe has passed. our condolences to Jodi and family.
Joe and Jodie gave so much to life, and they never forgot an acquaintance or a friend. I am deeply saddened by this news of Joe’s untimely passing. My deepest sympathy. Joe was the real deal.
Jodie- so sorry for your loss.
Joe was a great man, one who was always there to help others. I am a better person because of him. I never say goodbye to friends so instead I’ll just say “we’ll see you later”. You will be missed.
This is very surprising, and sad to learn. Joe and I worked together at 3M, and were a member of a few of the same clubs/organizations; and I’ve known him for almost 30 years. In fact, I used to teach his kids swim lessons at the YMCA. Too young to move on from this Earth; but we’ll meet again once day! Hopefully his family will reach out if they ever need anything, from me, or anyone else.
I’m saddened to hear of the loss your family has suffered. I didn’t know Joe well but was impressed by his manner and his straight forward attitude to those around him. Please accept our condolences and our prayers for Joe and his family.
Joe will be sorely missed. I didn’t see you enough over the years after we left 3M but enjoyed our mutual teasing via facebook. The only man to ever trust me with and put a gun in my hand. My friends visiting from Scotland thoroughly enjoyed a day on the farm with you and Jodie and were saddened to hear the news of your passing too
I have known Joe since he was a student in my Physics class at Harding High School – over 40 years ago! He may not have been the best student but he was a Grade A human being. Joe and Jodie made life richer for everyone they met. His laughter and good nature is lighting up heaven now so adieu Joe ’till
we meet again.
Every Thursday night I was able to go to shooting with Joe as my coach. His little phrase “shoot like a girl” always made me happy when I was younger and still pretty new to shooting. Camp Perry wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining if Joe didn’t go with. He was a great shooting coach!
Joe may not be here in person but will be in spirit. I’ll miss the trips we were planning to do over the winter. He was always kind and supportive, always ready to help in any way he could. He’s going to be missed.
Joe was such a great neighbor. We were so blessed by how he and Jodi made neighborhood gatherings special-snow cone making, donut making, and a fun ride made with barrels that our kids enjoyed so much. So grateful for his example of a good neighbor and friend.
Hi Jodie, Joe’s passing is a shock to me. I hope You, Jimmy & Jason are working through this with Jesus close by your side. He was a very good friend of mine for many years. I always just felt that Joe was the kind of person that would live forever – a true Saint indeed! I guess he will live forever because if there’s anyone we ever knew that will be welcome to live forever in Heaven, it’s my friend Joe! He was So Much, but one thing I know is that he was very Quick & a pure genius with Wit! I feel that if I were to ask him, “so Joe, how’s Heaven?” he’d say, ” it’s all that, & a bag of chips!”
Praying for comfort for you & the boys.
This is shocking. Joe left so many years unlived. He was a dynamic personality and a fellow of many talents. We are all diminished by his early passing. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to Jody and the Family.
He was an awesome guy and helped alot with the gopher rifle club and that’s where I know him from. He always treated anyone with kindness and knew how to make someone laugh no matter what. Joe’s passing was sudden but I will always remember him. Rest in peace joe.
We met Joe when our son was taking lessons in Forest Lake. Joe and Jodi were so welcoming and great people. Joe’s humor and laughter will forever be in our hearts. Jodi, we are sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose loved ones at such a young age. God bles you and your family and comfort you in this very hard time. 🙏
“Joe & Jodie you enrich us all with your spirts, personalities and contributions to others. We were blessed with Joe’s sense of humor and resourcefulness. The man could build and fix almost everything, and did. We continue his spirit of kindness and caring, his leadership legacy; riding with his energy in our memories forever.”
Our love to Jodie, Jim, and Jason who now must face the big hole Joe has left in their lives. A man of SO MANY hobbies and interests! I wish we all would make the time to keep learning and serving as he did and be as curious and helpful as he was. He inspires me, just reading about him!
We were so sorry to hear about Joe. We will always remember his quick wit and humor on our camping trips. It was a pleasure to know him this past couple years. Jodie, we are thinking of you and know that your strong faith will help you through this dramatic change in your life. I’m sure Joe will be watching over you always.
If you need to get away, we aren’t too far away and our door is always open.
I worked with Joe for many years. He truly was a remarkable, amazing individual. He always knew how to fix anything, how to find what is needed, or whatever… My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed his and Jodie’s company. Our most sincere and deepest sympathies to you Jodie and the whole family. May alll your memories of him keep his legacy alive. RIP Dear Joe – you will truly be missed!
Joe was such a wonderful man. He brought such a spark to any conversations. I am in awe but not surprised at all the lives he impacted. He is someone we will remember fondly for the rest of our lives. May God bless and keep you all the days of your life Jodie.
Joe could light up a room when he spoke, he had the gift. Joe will be missed by many, both young and old. God bless him and his family. Michael Kuehn American Legion SAL Commander
I remember Joe from all the 3M Radio Club meetings, Field Day, Hams In The Park, and all those hamfests. I looked forward to hearing him check-in to the 3M radio club net on Tuesday evenings. I enjoyed talking with him on the 6.64 repeater – when I could get in to it. Of course we are going to miss him.
I’ve known Joe via the shooting sports community for at least 15 years— maybe twenty. What an amazing, curious, funny, brilliant, personable, and giving human being. What a model for others! When I think of all the stuff and organizations Joe was involved in, it makes me wonder if he left any time for himself…but then you realize that that’s exactly what he WANTED to do with his time and energy: be involved, engaged in the world, and help others.
Jodie, you and the boys have my (and Jonell’s) deepest condolences. It was an absolute honor to know Joe and to call him my friend while he walked this earth. Please know that Joe Showalter will never be forgotten.
-Larry and Jonell Sawyer
There just are none better than Joe. I have been without words all week. If I could be 10% of the man as Joe I would be better than most. He is missed. I can’t wait to see him again someday.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion family, we give thanks for Joe’s devotion to veterans and their families as an SAL member and to the youth in shooting sports at our Post. A life well lived and a life cut short. I look forward to seeing him in heaven.
Jodie and boys, I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. Joe was certainly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone that had the joy of knowing him. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
To know Joe was to love him.
The world needs more Joes.
Thank you God for giving us Joe, even though it just didn’t seem to be long enough. Until we see you in heaven Joe, we’ll be missing you.
Love & hugs Jodie
Jodie,
Joe was a great servant in everything he did! Just remember the streets of Gold. We will pray for you and your family during this difficult time.