JOSEPH BLACKSTAD Jr.

1932 - 2024

JOSEPH OTIS BLACKSTAD JR. Joseph Otis Blackstad Jr., 92, of St. James died on August 6, 2024, at his home. Visitation was on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and continued on Wednesday from 10 until 11 a.m. at Albion Lutheran Church. Funeral Service was held at Albion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. Interment was at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Joe was born June 2, 1932, to Joseph Sr. and Mina (Blekestad) Blackstad in Nelson Township, Watonwan County. He attended District 43 Country School. In 1952, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1954. At the age of 18, Joe started driving semi-truck, hauling livestock from La Salle to St. Paul. Over the years he hauled for Roy Grilling, Arden William, Halter Trucking, D & A Truck Line, Dale Runge Trucking, Christenson Farms, and B & C Transportation. Joe also spent some time working at Tony Downs as well as many years on the family farm, milking cows, raising pigs, and planting corn and soybeans. Once retiring in 2009, Joe drove the VA bus, taking veterans to their appointments. Through the years Joe had many interests. In his youth he played baseball and hockey. He spent many years shooting pool and even played in Las Vegas. One of Joe's greatest passions was working on and refurbishing old tractors with his Massey 44 Special (Ella Mae), holding a special place in his heart. In 1964, Joe started tractor pulling. As the years went by and his family grew, this was a hobby he got his children and grandchildren involved in as well. Joe enjoyed taking part in the annual Butterfield Threshing Bee as well as many other pulls throughout southern Minnesota. Joe is survived by his children, Gary (Elaine) of Windom, Clay of New Ulm, Larry of St. James, Harley (Nancy Whitmore) of Garden City, and Carissa (Jason) Hanson of St. James; grandchildren, Chris, Adam, Ryan, Jessica, Mitch, Mandy, Caity, Morgan, Larry Jr., Brian, Hayley, Alex, Derek, and Nevaeh; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard, of Minnesota Lake; sister, Goldie Alexander of Humboldt, Iowa; sister-in-law, Karen of Green Isle; special friend, Brenda Schultz of St. James; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nikolas Trebesch; former wife, Shirley; twin sister, Mae (Everett) Lantz; brother, Ernest; sister-in-law, Barb Blackstad; brother-in-law, Bill Alexander; special friend, Ella Mae Gieseke; and nieces and nephews.