Joseph William Pekarna (1933-2023) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

A well-timed joke with your mouth full of fluoride, a splash of water on your chair noticed too late, a steady and comforting hand: Dr. Joe dedicated his life to making people smile.

Joe Pekarna was born on March 8, 1933, in Minneapolis, MN to Joseph A and Rosanna ( Friedel ) Pekarna. In 1934, the family moved back to Jordan to continue the family business—Pekarna Meat Market. Joe attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School, and then Jordan High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, earning 1950 All-District honors in football.

After high school, Joe attended St. Thomas University and then the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. On June 28, 1958, he married Ellen Dufek. Together, they made their home in Jordan, raising seven children.

After serving as the town’s dentist for 56 years, Dr. Joe retired in 2014. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, golfing with friends, fishing with family, singing in the church choir, gardening, walking his beloved dog, and cheering on the Twins, Gophers, and Vikings.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ellen; children, Bill (Sonja) Pekarna, Marty (Mary) Pekarna, Joe (Mary Beth) Pekarna, Peg (Don) Olsem, Nancy (Jim) Goham, Jean (Lance) Schroeder, Tim (Tricia) Pekarna; 24 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jo (Bill) Gilmore, Sue Bruins, Margaret “Mugs” Pekarna, and many loving relatives, former patients, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank (Cele) Pekarna, and brother-in-law Ralph Bruins.

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