Joel Hotovec, age 48, of New Ulm died of pancreatic cancer on Friday, April 14, 2023, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm with Father Nathan Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Joel is survived by his wife, Kelly Hotovec of New Ulm; children, Jaydan, Jarred, and Jenna Hotovec, all of New Ulm; mother, Pamela Hotovec of Fairfax; brothers, Corey Hotovec of Franklin and Jerry (Kristina) Hotovec of Prior Lake; niece, Kendra (Mike) Krohn of Mankato; nephew, Aaron (Brianna) Hotovec of Nicollet; mother-in-law, Judith Maurer of New Ulm; brother-in-law, Randy Maurer of Portland, OR; other relatives and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Calvin Hotovec, and father-in-law, Stephen Maurer.
Joel Alan Hotovec was born June 28, 1974, in Sleepy Eye to Calvin and Pamela (Firle) Hotovec. He graduated from GFW High School. Mutual friends from Sleepy Eye introduced Joel to Kelly Maurer; they married on September 25, 1999, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Joel and Kelly were blessed with two sons and a daughter. In 1999, Joel and his brother Corey started C&J Waste Handling in Lafayette. He was extremely devoted to the company and showed his unrivaled work ethic until his death. He led by example and was always there to give love, support, and advice – even if it was tough love. Joel was quiet, but often shared the perfect words that were impactful to many in his life. Joel taught his kids countless life lessons and helped shape them into the great people they are. He was so proud of them. He looked for the best in people and was the kind of loyal friend you could always count on. Joel was one of those rare gems where you felt like you’d known him all along, when you’d only just met. His sense of humor and “Joelisms” were part of what made him so fun to be around. He enjoyed golfing and hunting. He and Kelly loved to choose a direction and take an adventure, whichever way it pointed. Joel loved his family, work family, and friends and he will be missed beyond measure. Blessed be his memory.