Joseph James “Joe” Rajala passed away May 15, 2020, at Regions Hospital in St Paul, MN, after a brief battle with cancer.
Joe was born August 11, 1977 in Escanaba, MI to the late John and Patricia (Micheau) Rajala. He was raised in Rapid River, MI before moving with his parents to Newburg, WI in 1989. Joe was a 1995 graduate of West Bend West High School. Upon graduation, Joe went to work for UPS in the West Bend area and began a career in logistics. He eventually moved to Wausau, then the Minneapolis/St Paul area. He began working for Fed Ex Ground in 2000, where he was employed until the time of his passing.
Joe will be remembered as a dedicated employee who worked countless hours to deliver items to both random people and those he would eventually call friends. He also carried forward many high school friendships through another passion, hunting at “Camp Morningwood”. Joe enjoyed countless hours fishing in a boat as well as on the ice during winter months. A hobby taught to him by his loving Dad, John.
Joe had many passions in life, including hunting, fishing and his many friendships. He was proud to be a Hudson, WI resident and had wonderful supportive neighbors. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan but his biggest passion was his son Aaron. Joe took great pride in raising Aaron and continually boasted about Aaron to family and friends. They spent countless hours at camp, fishing, throwing the ball around the yard or hanging out with their beloved dog Jordy.
Joe is survived by his greatest joy, son Aaron, sisters, Sheri (David) Timm, Kathy (Dean) Groleau, brother, Bob (Tammy) Rajala. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents and will be laid to rest next to them in Fernwood cemetery in Gladstone, MI. A graveside service will be announced at a later date.
A memorial service will be held in Minnesota and Michigan. Dates and times will be forthcoming and announced by the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Dela County. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family respectfully requests that contribution be directed to the Rajala family for a trust fund to be established in Aaron’s name. All correspondence may be directed to the Rajala family or forwarded to the Rajala family through the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Barbara Thinglum - MIDLOTHIAN, VA
Sheri, Kathy, Bob, and Aaron, There are no words to tell you how sorry I am for Joe’s passing. You helped him through his difficult days, and your mom and dad are with him now. Its heartwarming to see the great number of friends he touched. He leaves a legacy hard work and friendship, but above all, how much he loved his son, Aaron. Love to all, Auntie Barbara
Heidi Shimon - Hudson, WI
Joe was an amazing father for his son, Aaron. As Aaron’s fifth grade teacher, I was able to see the special bond between the two and how Joe was Aaron’s biggest fan. Aaron smiled from ear to ear when he would talk about their hunting and fishing trips along with the many sporting events they enjoyed together. My prayers go out to Aaron as I know his father was his biggest role model and he always tried to make him proud. Aaron, you have made your dad proud and I hope you know that.
Blessings,
Mrs. Shimon
Dinah Lake - Crescent City, CA
Sheri, Kathy, Bob and Aaron: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I never met Joe, but I was a close friend of your Mother and Grandmother. My Grandparents lived Next door to Pat and family. We became friends as very small children and it continued although we lived far apart since 1962.
I know that she loved her children very much and that you were all kept dearly in her heart for she talked about all of you when we would talk on the phone and my last visit in 2013.
My deepest thoughts to you all in this time of sorrow.
Wendy Ommen - Hudson, Wi
My thoughts and prayers to the friends and family. Especially you, Aaron! You were so loved by your Father and now the love continues through your friends and family❤️
Jean Johnson - Gladstone , MI
Sheri, Kathy,Bob, Aaron and Family..
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing..He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.. May he rest in peace..
My prayers are with all of you..
Mike and Sue Heili - WEST BEND, WI
In these trying times, I guess God needed a little comic relief, so he called Joe home. Thinking of Joe always brings a smile to our face. He was like another son to us during his teenage years as he and our son Jonathan managed to fly just barely under the radar and survive! These escapades for the most part produced countless laughs and good times! Our hearts are sad, but I hope we can all take comfort in our memories until we meet again.
Amanda - Rhinelander , Wi
Joe was a one of a kind!! One of the most real people I have ever met!! The love he had for his son was a love you didn’t see often out of other dads. He will be greatly missed. Rest easy Joe. I will never forget how supportive and what a great friend you were to me after my husband passed away. You will be forever missed! ❤️❤️❤️