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Donald Joseph

Donald John Joseph, age 90, formally of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away at White Pines Assisted Living in Cottage Grove, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Donald was born to Howard and Mamie (Coury) Joseph on February 19, 1931, in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from Cretin High School, Donald enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Radioman on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. After returning to civilian life, Don continued his education and graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a degree in Education.

“Coach Donnie Joe,” as he was referred to, was a teacher and hockey coach at a number of schools over the years including Saint Bernard’s, Saint Agnes, Saint Mary’s University, University of Wisconsin – River Falls and Hudson High School. He loved hockey and could recall scores and plays from specific games right up to his final days. Don could carry on a conversation with anyone about sports and his family. Don’s focus throughout his later years was always about his grandkids, they were his pride and joy.

Don will remain in the hearts of his children; Rocky (Sandy), Mike (Wende), Matt, Michele (B Jay) Inserra, Anthony (Gabby), Jim (Carrie), Molly (Greg) Galles, brother; Ray, and sister; Mary (Dave) Rollwagen; fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and other family, friends, and hockey family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mickey, and his sisters; Margaret, Dorothy, and Beverly.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, September 24, 2021 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson. Visitation is from 2:00PM to 3:30PM, with a prayer service at 3:30PM. Follow link for livestream. Donald will be interred at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials preferred in leu of flowers. Family would like to extend a special thanks to Stephanie with Olive Grove Hospice for her compassionate care.