Joseph E. Holets, age 87, of Rochester passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the home of his daughter, Laurie, and son-in-law, Bob Frey, in Savage, MN. He had been living with them in home hospice care since April 2024 after a long battle with kidney disease.

He was born in Chatfield, MN, in 1937 to Clarence and Celina Holets. He enjoyed squirrel hunting and fishing in the local creeks during his childhood. Joe graduated from Chatfield High School in 1955. He was an athlete that played basketball, baseball, football, and track throughout his high school career.

After high school, Joe worked for the Gene Phillips Garage from 1955 to 1960 until being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960. Joe served in the 69 ^th Armored Division from 1960 until being honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves from 1962 to 1964.

Joe moved to Rochester and worked for National Bushing from 1962 to 1974. In 1964 he married Marie Zahasky and continued to make their home in Rochester raising their daughter, Laurie. He went on to work for IBM for 25 years from 1974 until retirement in 1999. Joe was a dedicated and hard worker that won an IBM Award for Excellence in 1983.

Joe and his wife, Marie, were very good dancers and enjoyed going to the Pla-Mor Ballroom on the weekends for dances. Joe loved spending time in the outdoors with his brothers and extended family.

He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, fishing, and cutting wood. He was an avid Vikings fan, and also enjoyed watching the Twins, Timberwolves, and Lynx. He loved the frequent family gatherings as the extended family continued to grow, especially the yearly trips to Nisswa, MN. He was very close to his only daughter, Laurie, and cherished spending time with her.

Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Marie; parents, Clarence and Celina Holets; brothers, Raymond, Howard, Herbert, and sister, Erlene. He is survived by daughter, Laurie (Robert) Frey of Savage, MN; sisters-in-law, Lois and Sylvia Holets; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Minnesota Hospice for their care, guidance, and outpouring of compassion over this past year.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. The burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.