Joel Raymond Hillesheim was born on December 9, 1977, to Leonard and Gayle (Hinkel) Hillesheim. He was baptized Catholic at Japanese Martyrs Church and attended grade school at Japanese Martyrs School in Leavenworth, Minnesota and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He went to high school at Sleepy Eye Public School and proudly earned his GED in 1996. In his younger life he loved to fish, hunt, take things apart and put them back together, and farm. His dad had him on a tractor by age 4. By age 15, he took apart his first engine and pieced it back together. He was a jack of all trades including mechanic, construction, carpenter, farmer, crane operator, bartender, bouncer, tree trimmer, and many odds and ends jobs. He loved the outdoors and worked 7 days a week if he could. Joel was a proud owner of a black 1963 Chevy Impala, and you could hear him come to town miles away! He drove it in parades and for celebrations and he was well known in both areas.
While working in Minnesota as a roofer, Joel was offered an opportunity through the company to help victims of Hurricane Charley in Florida. He loved the area and decided to stay. In his time in Florida, he helped rebuild many cities after devastating storms. He moved to Alabama for a few years and then to Panama City Beach in Florida for the remaining years.
Joel was a friend to all and he loved to have fun! He met many great friends between Minnesota and Florida, and anyone who met him loved him and always that smile. He always had a grin no matter what he went through. Joel loved his family and real friends and protected those he trusted. He helped many in need and protected those he loved.
Joel is survived by his mom, Gayle Hillesheim and special friend, Don Gredrose of Sleepy Eye; sister, Jennifer Hillesheim and special friend, Adam Braun of Cobden, sister, Amy and Dustin Wroolie of Akeley, and brother, Brandon and (Jennifer) Hillesheim of New Ulm; nieces and nephews, Taylor Fromm and special friend, Logan Daker, Sierra Wroolie, and Brock Fromm; many aunts and uncles; and MANY many friends.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Leonard “Skinner” Hillesheim; niece, Savanah Wroolie; grandparents, Raymond and Odelia Hillesheim and Vincent and Dorothy Moeller; and uncles, Marvin Hillesheim, Fr. Gerald Hillesheim, and Ervin Lendt.
Joel will always be remembered for his smile and he will be missed dearly.