Joel Boerner, 51, Owatonna

Joel Curtis Boerner, 51, of Owatonna passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Owatonna to Arnold Curtis Boerner and Betty Jane (Pavek) Boerner.

Joel grew up the last of six children. Due to the age difference between the siblings, he grew up very close to his nieces and nephews. They were almost like siblings, enjoying all the childhood games and adventures.

He graduated from Owatonna HS and worked at Cem Stone, Gopher Sport, Viracon, JC Press, Jostens and most currently Stewart Sanitation where the owners and coworkers became his family.

Joel met Lisa in 1993 and together they enjoyed mud trucks, Harley riding, camping, gardening and eventually sharing their life with a very welcomed daughter, Jessica in 2000.

Joel developed testicular cancer in 2010 and other medical issues which with the help of his loving family and friends he beat and had been cancer free for the last 12 years. With his infectious laugh and the love of repeating a good story in the end it was his huge heart that he loved so many people with, that took him from us.

He is survived by his wife Lisa (Peterson) Boerner and his daughter Jessica Kathleen Boerner. Brothers: Douglas (Jackie) Boerner, Michael (Cindy) Boerner; sisters: Gail (Loran) Christianson, Roxanne (Tom) Biesterfeld, Robin (Jeff) Christensen; brother-in-law, George Peterson; sister-in-law, Kathy Voracek; special nephew, Brandon Peterson, along with many more cousins, nieces and nephews dear to his heart and many close and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mariah Grace Boerner, father Arnold, mother Betty, mother-in-law Crystal Peterson, father-in-law George Peterson, brother-in-law Jim Peterson and sister Betty Lynn Boerner.

Please join us at the VFW in Owatonna on Friday, Sept. 29 from 4-8 p.m. to celebrate the life of this wonderful person we called Bone.