Joel Kay Hoelz

Joel Kay Hoelz, 83, of Aitkin, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at his home.  Joel was born February 13, 1940 in Aitkin to Oscar and Ruby (Kvenberg) Hoelz.  He grew up in Aitkin and attended Rippleside Elementary School before graduating from Aitkin High School.  After a couple of quarters at Brainerd Community College, Joel moved to Minneapolis for employment.  He worked at a warehouse before enlisting in the Army.  Joel was stationed in Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea on the Horn of Africa.  After Joel was discharged, he returned to Minneapolis and was employed at the Minneapolis USPS until 1997 when he retired and moved to the cabin north of Aitkin where he could pursue his passions of fishing and art.  Joel took a part-time job driving for Aitkin School District and volunteered at the Jaques Art Gallery as Treasurer.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents.

Joel is survived by his wife, Phyllis; step-daughters, Nancy (Dave) Jensen, Deanna Russell and Rene (Gary) Evans; step-grandchildren; step-great grandchildren; extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Joel's Life will be Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 1-4 P.M. at the Aitkin American Legion Post #86. Since Joel was an animal lover, any memorials may be given to the Babinski Foundation Animal Shelter, 2825 76th St SE, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 or the charity of your choice.  To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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