Joseph Charles Holmes, age 64, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away at his home on December 17, 2023.
A Time of Gathering to honor Joe will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM with closing prayers at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN. Joseph will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at a later date.
Joseph Charles Holmes was born March 10, 1959 in Minneapolis, MN to Ben and Carol Holmes. Joe was named after his grandfather Joseph A Holmes and his great uncle Charles Hamilton. Joe’s early years were spent in Brooklyn Center, MN where he attended elementary school at Northport. The family moved to a farm in St. Francis in 1968. Joe graduated from St. Francis high school in 1977. During high school, Joe wrestled and played football for St. Francis. As a teenager, Joe was quite successful showing his horse Al Marah Gable in a variety of classes including western and English pleasure and pleasure driving. Joe worked many summers at Del Hayes Potato Farm in Becker while in high school. Joe proudly served in the Army for 3 years.
Joe worked at Super Valu for 27 years as a forklift driver and was a member of the local 120 Teamsters. He retired in 2013.
Joe married Ann in 1987, and together, they had three children; Katie, Charlie and Michael. He loved spending time with his family, going to the cabin, golfing, singing, making people laugh with his humorous impressions, and vacationing in Ixtapa. Joe was a caring man, with a huge heart, who was always willing to help. He was very proud of his family and adored his seven grandchildren.
Joe was very patriotic, a die-hard Vikings and Twins fan, and he enjoyed spending time around Prior Lake with his friends.
Joe is survived by his loving children, Kathryn (David) Bender, Charles (Amanda) Holmes, and Michael (Matthew) Holmes Martinez; grandchildren, Lauryn, Mason, William, and Lucas Bender and Benjamin, Olivia and Aubrey Holmes; sister, Diane (Greg) Lawrence; niece, Christine (Matt) Ehrichs; nephew, Benjamin Lawrence; and many other cousins, family, and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Benjamin Holmes.
