Joseph Lapointe

November 21, 1952 - April 20, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joseph "Joe" Robert Lapointe.

Joe passed away peacefully on Sunday April 20, 2025, at MercyOne Hospital, surrounded by family at the age of 72.

Per Joe's wishes, the family will hold a private gathering to celebrate his life. Any memorials may be mailed to Hogan Bremer Moore - 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City.

Joe was born on November 21, 1952 in Waverly, Iowa to his father Francis Edward Lapointe and his mother Betty Lou (Clapsaddle) Lapointe.

Joe attended Saint Joseph's Catholic School from 1957 to 1966, and Mason City High School from 1966 to 1970, graduating a year early.

Joe went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Iowa (1970-1974), graduating Magna Cum Laude and double majoring in English and History.

He then studied law at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1978.

Joe then worked at DeVries Law Office in Mason City in the mid-1980s, then established his own practice. Shortly thereafter in 1992, he founded Lapointe & Lapointe, P.C., where he worked with his brother Timothy Lapointe until 2008.

As a criminal defense attorney, Joe was proud of the fact that he often got to stand up for "the little guy". He retired from law after 42 years of service in the Spring of 2024.

During his professional years, he was known for being a charter member of the committee that established the Transition Center in Mason City in 1989.

Additionally, he was a member of the Cerro Gordo County Democratic Party for most of his adult life. He had a desire for leadership - running for State Representative in '92 and being elected President of the Cerro Gordo County Bar Association around that same time.

Joe married Karen Hutzell in 1991. They had two children - Francis and Ruth. They were married for 13 years.

Joe married Jenifer Lapointe (Hanson) on November 28, 2008.

Joe enjoyed the outdoors and was recognized as a Master Angler. He especially loved the Boundary Waters, where he landed numerous trophy fish alongside his family.

Joe enjoyed history, sports and outer space. He was extremely intelligent. His childhood friends gave him the nickname "Owl" because he was so wise. He loved to educate others and anyone willing to listen long enough could learn something from him.

There was hardly a question he couldn't answer.

He once even auditioned for Jeopardy and got "close" to getting on the show. (He recalled "blanking" when asked about the author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and slapped himself for missing that one.)

In recent years, Joe loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved hosting family get-togethers, while enjoying good food and drink. Additionally, his close family know him for how well he played piano and his love for singing and performing music. His songs will live on in our hearts.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jenifer, his son, Francis Lapointe (Princess), his daughter, Ruth Delano (Thomas), his stepson, Micah Ogren, and his two grandchildren - Franklin and Walter.

Additionally, he is survived by his eight siblings: Mary Jane Lapointe, Nancy Lapointe (John Dinning), John Lapointe (Julie), Judy Lapointe (Gerhard Kaul), Linda Asche (Dean), Amy Lapointe (Brad Jessop), Tim Lapointe (Sheila), and Tom Lapointe (Valerie).

Preceding him in death are his parents, Francis and Betty Lou, brother Robert, uncle Charley Clapsaddle, and nephews - Willy Bracklein and Toumani Dembele.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels

ColonialChapels.com

(641) 423-2372

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Globe Gazette on Apr. 26, 2025.