Joel Follett ALSGAARD

ALSGAARD, Joel Follett October 26, 1955 - May 31, 2015 Joel Alsgaard quietly passed away at home from natural causes on Sunday, May 31 in the loving presence of his beloved cousin Gregory McNeill. Joel was always at peace with the thought of his own passing, knowing that he would be with Jesus and his family in heaven. Joel was born in Tacoma, WA in 1955 where his father Russell Alsgaard was the pastor of University Place Presbyterian Church. At age 5 Joel moved with the family to Spokane, where Russell was Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church and Betty continued to support him in all aspects of ministry. Joel attended Comstock Elementary School, and then went to Sacajawea Junior High, where he held a fast sprint record. His name was frequently mentioned in the Spokesman Review Ski School for his outstanding skiing technique. He went on to graduated from Ferris High School in 1974. He also attended Whitworth College. Joel successfully directed a year long weekly TV show at KSPS which featured news, events and entertainment regarding Expo '74. Joel was a gifted and talented musician, who started composing minuets at age three. In the 70's, he played guitar professionally at Clinkerdaggers in Spokane, as well as numerous venues in Seattle and Anchorage. He received his associate degree in computer science from Shoreline Community College in Seattle before spending the rest of his years in Spokane with his family. He donated enough blood to save over 99 lives. Over the past number of years, Joel has enjoyed playing his guitar at many family gatherings often hosted by his cousin Douglas McNeill and his wife Linda. He also joined a drop-in musical group that plays on Sundays at Aunties Bookstore where he was recognized by other professionals for his outstanding cord progressions in many songs-all without sheet music. His father had written a ballad for the group called "Chick'n Dinner' which Joel picked up his guitar and composed the music for it -- all in one swoop. He would entertain at family gatherings where family members could dance and sing along with songs such as Sweet Judy Blue Eyes by Crosby, Stills and Nash, as well as, Taxi by Harry Chapin. Joel also would play a moving rendition of Piano Man by Billy Joel. Joel was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Russell Alsgaard. He is survived by his loving sister Catherine Alsgaard, thoughtful nephew Max Alsgaard Miller, longtime brother-in-law Steven Miller and former spouse Juli Alsgaard, close friend Doug Schroeder who faithfully served him communion and spent time shooting the breeze with him in the latter years of his life. Joel was blessed by many loving cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and neighbors who loved and cared for him. We will all miss him. The memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday June 15, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Please send memorial donations to any of the following: Barton School at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar, Spokane WA 99201, Union Gospel Mission of Spokane, Spokane Humane Society, Salvation Army, Food Bank or Ferry County Health Foundation - Scholarships Providing Continued Education for Health Professionals; Mail to: Attention: Graham S. McConnell Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 567, Republic, WA 99166. Thank you!