Joseph 'Joe' Krusee

Joseph "Joe" Krusee, born Nov. 4, 1945, in Glasgow, Mont., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at the age of 78, at his home in Palm Desert, Calif. Despite the pain he endured in the midst of his battle with pancreatic cancer his sarcasm and his infectious laugh never failed to make us, and his caregiving team, smile.

Joe's life will be honored with a pontoon party on Ottertail Lake, Minn., on Saturday, June 8, 2024, and in a beach-side celebration of life in Del Mar, Calif., in December 2024.

At each event there will be a short ash scattering ceremony at sunset.

Joe was always proud of his hometown and the family, friends and community he grew up in. His mother, father and grandmother were business owners and were very engaged in civic life. Joe was student body president in his senior year of high school and kept forever friendships with special people he met during his school years there. He also shared stories of his time working in Yellowstone National Park as a young man, which inspired Kelly to work there and meet some of her amazing forever friends.

Later Joe would serve our country overseas in Vietnam with the Sixth Infantry of the U.S. Army where he also made lasting friendships amidst the trauma and pain of that experience. He went on to work in Human Resources and then continued using his people skills in semi-retirement helping people find their perfect home as a realtor.

Growing up Joe spent most summers at the cabin his maternal grandfather owned on Ottertail Lake and he continued that tradition with his children. Even his grandchildren had a chance to experience time there driving and riding in the "Boooat," playing cards and boardgames, and making fun memories with cousins and other family and friends.

He gave to each of his daughters' gifts that they will carry in their hearts every day for a lifetime; a deep appreciation of all kinds of music, a love of travel and the gift of meaningful traditions live on in all of us. He never failed to make sure his daughters knew they could accomplish anything if they "gave it a little elbow grease" and that their dogs would always be there at the end of the day as their very best friends. Laura's degree, work and passion were inspired by the maps of the U.S. and the World on the kitchen wall and our dinner table conversations about the human side of important events happening around the globe. Kelly's laughter and ability to make friends, put people at ease and connect with and bring people together is a testament to the love, humor and positive energy Joe embodied in life and Erin's deep compassion, empathy and thoughtfulness about the spiritual side of the human experience reflect his desire to connect and understand the world more deeply.

Joe had a flare for storytelling and creating clever monikers He is survived by the love of his life, his three daughters, his three granddaughters and two great-grandchildren all of whom still wonder what their real names are. He also leaves behind a brother an ex-wife and several nieces, nephews and other family members. His grandmother, Vivian, his mom, dad, sister and a bunch of furry friends will welcome him to the afterlife while his current pup, Kona, will be wondering where to find her cheese slices and who to ask to prepare her pancakes and syrup.