Joseph Charles Modec

Joseph Charles Modec

Joseph Charles Modec, 76, died peacefully in his home Saturday, December 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on November 25, 1949, in Virginia, Minn., and moved to Fayal Township early on and attended school in Eveleth, graduating a Golden Bear in 1968. During his schooling he participated in many activities including basketball, football, track & field, acting as major of the marching band, hunting, fishing and proudly earning the rank and honor of Eagle Scout. Following graduation, he attended Mesabi State Junior College, then St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., where he studied psychology and sociology, played rugby and extended himself throughout the social milieu of university life.

Joe married his high school sweetheart Jane Kinnunen on August 12, 1972. They later moved from Collegeville to Northome, Minn., where Joe took a job at Ita-Bel-Koo Day Activity Center, entering the world of disability services where he would serve his lifetime. In 1975, Joe and Jane moved to Redwood Falls, Minn., where Joe became the Regional Planner for Developmental Disabilities. Within the year they welcomed their first child and moved to Superior, Wis., where they worked for Catholic Charities and where Joe began his lifelong career with Nekton Inc/REM Arrowhead by invitation of his former neigh- bor, mentor, and lifelong friend, Sheldon Schneider. He and his family moved to Duluth in 1977, soon welcoming their second and third daughters in 1978 and 1980. Joe lived and worked in Duluth for the remainder of his life, serving people with disabilities in his role as Regional Director of REM Arrowhead until his retirement.

Joe lived his life with an out- side-the-box mentality and was many things, including but not limited to, an inventor, property owner, designer, entrepreneur, crafter of the "what if" scenario, and one-time executive director of Sacred Heart Music Center. He was sole proprietor of Clearwater Charters, and Captain of both the San Samor and the San Superior, which afforded him the opportunity to share his love of the Big Lake with so many. Joe's last Lake Superior boat, which he captained into 2025, was aptly named Uno Mas. Joe also served as a volunteer board member for several non-profit organizations including CHOICE Unlimited. He was a committed advocate, entrepreneur, artist, and adventurer throughout his life.

Joe was passionate about life in general. He enjoyed spending his time on the great Gitchee Gummi with Isle Royal holding a very special place in his heart. He was an avid outdoorsman with a deep love of fishing and being near and about the waters. His love of music, art, people, places, and experiences was broad, eclectic, and elemental to him; loves that he shared with the people in his life generously and enthusiastically. Although the Iron Range and Duluth were the homes of his youth and earlier adulthood, Joe found peace, refuge, community, and connection in so many places, most notably Grand Portage, Minn., and Isla Mujeres, MX, where he spent winters for many years. Joe's appetite for adventure was endless: "Will try anything twice!" although if memory serves, that may have translated to a third or fifth try!

Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph J. Modec, mother Marian (Barnes) Modec, and beloved sister Mary K. Modec.

He is survived by his sister Melissa (Shawn) Murphy, trusted friend, confidant and advisor Jane Saukko, daughters Sara Modec, Reva Wronka (Hans), Serina Modec-Halverson (Chris), grandchildren Joza, Lucy, Augustus, Cecelia, Anya, Casper, Odin, Nyneve, and Dorthea; nephew Dan (Megan) Good, and special friend Mary Braun-Kapsner.

In honor of Joe's passions and legacy, please make donations to CHOICE Unlimited or Sacred Heart Music Center in his memory.

Celebration of Joe's life will be held Saturday, March 28, at Sacred Heart Music Center, 201 W. 4th St. Duluth, Minn., at 3 p.m. Please dress to your comfort as Joe certainly would!