Joseph Michael "Joey" Klosowski

Joseph "Joey" Michael Klosowski, age 20, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on February 2nd, 2026 after complications from a recent illness. He was born on August 17th, 2005, in Monticello, Minnesota, to Melissa Jahnssen and Seth Klosowski.

Joey was a 2024 graduate of Buffalo High School and was currently a student at St. Cloud State University, taking courses in information technology and business. He had a natural curiosity for how things worked and was especially drawn to computers. Joey built his own computer and spent countless hours rebuilding, repairing, and improving systems.

Friends and family were important to Joey. He enjoyed quality time spent together. He loved going to car shows with his cousin Ezra, PC gaming with his siblings and friends, thrifting with his mom, or spontaneous camping trips with his dad-simple moments that meant a great deal to him. He also had a great love of animals, especially his many family pets throughout his life.

Joey was also athletic; he played pickleball, soccer, wrestling, and volleyball. He also liked to cook and bake; he made the best fresh bread. He enjoyed gaming with friends and made many connections online. Most of all, he found peace being outdoors. Camping and hiking were among his favorite activities, with Lake Maria State Park holding a special place in his heart. One of his personal goals was to someday hike the Superior Hiking Trail and navigate a solo trip through the Boundary Waters.

Growing up, he faced challenges with his speech, but through determination and hard work, he became confident in giving speeches and a skilled debater. He was sweet, smart, kind, and deeply believed in human rights. Joey had an easy way about him and could get along with just about anyone. His trademark thumbs up and friendly smile will always be fondly remembered.

He is preceded in death by his grandpa, John McNeil; great-grandparents, Michael Fisher, Edna Sufka, Thomas and Anna McNeil.

Joey is survived by his mother, Melissa Jahnssen; father, Seth Klosowski; siblings, Jackson (McKenzie) Vliem and Jayden (Cameron) Vliem; grandma, Susan McNeil; grandpa, Richard (Deb) Klosowski; grandma, Beth Erickson; great-grandma, Marjorie "Tiny" Fisher; aunts and uncles, Maggie (Kanchan) McNeil, Matthew (Dani) McNeil, Jake (Amy) Klosowski, and Eric Klosowski.

Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Visitation begins at 4:30pm followed by a short funeral service at 6:30pm, where all are welcome to share their memories of Joey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com