Joseph J. Halpin, age 80, passed away on March 30, 2014 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, WI.  Born in Minneapolis on April 5, 1933, he attended school at South High and the University of Minnesota.  In the early 50’s, he joined the Marines and served in Korea.  His career in sales included Rochester Germicide Co. where he became a district manager and Juster Brothers in Southdale.  He was a model for upscale clothing, and also became the centerfold  for a Northwest Orient Airlines promotion.  Later Joe started his own business in WI, Painting Papering Plus.

 He enjoyed being involved in community activities, from being an altar boy when he was young, to being president of the Powderhorn Park committee where he brought back the once canceled Fourth of July fireworks.  He served as president of the WI Miniature Horse Club.  He raised and showed miniature horses locally, statewide and nationally winning many trophies and ribbons, and participated in local parades.

 He loved sailing and was licensed to sail in deep waters including the two masted historic Pride of Baltimore which he commanded in the Gulf of Mexico and realized his dream of observing the southern cross.  Other activities included golf, swimming, and tennis.  In the summer time you would find him mowing his 11 acres, creating a park like setting for his home.  Joe loved to travel and visited Europe, North Africa, Indonesia, China, Hawaii, plus many states in the US including Beverly’s North Dakota farmstead where he helped in the restoration of her 100 year old farmhouse.

 Joe was loved by many and will be missed by his 34 year companion, Beverly L. Anderson; daughter, Kathy Carlson, and her friend, David Smith; son, Jay; grandchildren, Joey and Sara; sisters, Joyce and Mary Lou; brothers, Chuck, Art and wife, Shelly; plus many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Rosella Halpin; wife, Carolyn; son, Joe; and sister-in-law, Karen.  

 A Memorial Service will take place 12 NOON Thursday, April 10th at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel (located east of the intersection of Hwy 55 & Bloomington Rd.)  Family and Friends may gather one hour prior to the service.  Interment with military honors will take place at Ft. Snelling Nat’l Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to the National Cancer Society for research or Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities scholarship fund.