Joel Daniel Branson

Joel Daniel Branson, 37, passed away on October 11, 2024, at his home in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joel was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on July 30, 1987, to Jill FiggeBranson. Growing up in Mankato, Joel was especially active in the music scene, playing in a variety of punk and experimental bands and even organizing a day-long music festival, Barnsonfest, in a barn south of Mankato that included 13 bands, at the age of 18. After graduating from Mankato West High School in 2005, he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder before moving to Brooklyn, New York, and attending Hunter College, where he earned a degree in Applied Social Research and Sociology. Joel stayed in Brooklyn for almost 10 years, and during this time he managed and operated a number of high-end markets and food and beverage companies. Joel spent a short time in Puerto Rico before eventually moving back to Minnesota. It was there that he met his love, Crystal Culhane. Together with their three cats, they split their time between St. Paul and San Diego, California, with numerous trips and adventures along the way. Joel left an impression on everyone that had the privilege of meeting him, whether it was because of his charisma and charm, his clever jokes and wit, or his generous and caring nature. There is nothing that Joel would not do for his friends and family, always putting everyone ahead of himself. Joel will be deeply missed and will best be remembered for his love of music, cooking, pickles, bingo, travel, horror movies, true crime, crossword puzzles, thrift stores, Universal Studios, his Fiat, being a punk, a good happy hour deal, and making sure that everyone is having a good time and is taken care of.
Joel is survived by his love, Crystal, and their cats Little Man, Stella, and Baby Billy of San Diego/St. Paul; mother Jill of St. Peter; sister Laura Dunbar of North Mankato; brother John Figge of Mankato; niece Hailey Barker and nephews Keegan and Greyson Dunbar of North Mankato; honorary niece and nephew Violet and Theo Swarts of Plymouth; several aunts and uncles; and numerous close friends that loved Joel dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Connections Shelter in Mankato, MN ( www.connectionsshelter.org ) or a charity of your choice.