Joseph Lee Vroman, 77, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 8, 2020, from complications of prostate cancer. He was born on February 16, 1943 at St. Mary's hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, to Hubert (Ole) and Helen (Reinartz) Vroman.

Joe's dad, Hubert worked for the Rochester Fire Department and often worked on his days off for a local funeral home. That is how Joe got his start in the funeral industry.

As a youngster, he started mowing lawns, shoveling sidewalks, and painting pine caskets. Eventually, when he got his driver's license, he started to transport the deceased to their hometown for burial. He continued to do this as a part time job until he retired in 2018. Joe loved to drive and felt a compassion for the deceased and their survivors, ensuring this task was done with dignity.

Joe graduated from Lourdes High School in 1961, entered Rochester Junior College, and graduated in 1963 with an AA in business. In September 1963, he was hired by IBM and began a 30-year career, retiring in September 1993.

In September 1964, Joseph signed up with the U.S Army Reserves. He served his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and completed advanced training at Fort Sam Houston, TX as an Army Medic in 1965. He left Army duties in 1970.

In August 1965, he married Geraldine Lorsung. They had three children, Susan, Richard, and Daniel. They were later divorced.

He married Barbara Hovland Besonen on June 28, 1998 in Rochester.

Joe volunteered with many different groups and organizations. They include: Christmas Anonymous, Community Food Response driver for 20 plus years, serving in the church as a Eucharistic Minister, and Knights of Columbus.  He also served as Cascade Township clerk and later added treasurer duties for a total of 28 years with the Township.

Joe was always willing to lend a hand to others.  He enjoyed spending time with Barb and family, watching the MN Twins, and spending time outside maintaining his yard and trees.  Joe and Barb also enjoyed wintering in AZ, spending time there every March with friends.

Survivors include his wife Barbara; sons Richard (Jennifer) and Daniel (Cherie); stepsons Scott Hovland (Holly Anderson), James Hovland (Nicolle) Jonathan Hovland (Molly), Cory Hovland (Micah); stepdaughter Kristiann Schultz (Gary Schneider); 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Susan Bernard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Seasons Hospice or Community Food Response.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Masks are recommended. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be limited to family only and masks are required.