Joseph D. Engebretson

Joseph Engebretson, age 61, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 20, 2025, after a courageous and difficult battle with ALS.

Born the youngest of six brothers in Cottage Grove, Joe helped build the family home as well as a strong family tradition of camaraderie. Throughout his life, Joe remained a devoted dad, brother, uncle, and friend. He was generous with his time, always ready to offer a beer, a hand, and good company. Joe was funny, kind, and a prolific host of bonfires.

The most important roles in Joe’s life were the ones he had within his family. He was a steady presence in the lives of those he loved. Joe remembered birthdays – and most other things too. Joe was an eager participant in everything from poker games to go-kart races to fireworks shows. He made sure to photograph all the special moments along the way.

Joe took tremendous pride in his career at 3M, where he worked for 36 years before his retirement.

Outside of work, Joe was a diehard Minnesota sports fan who never gave up on the Twins, Vikings, and Wild. He also had a lifelong love of wildlife, ignited by a trip to the Bighorn Mountains as a teenager. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing trips with his son and brothers, adventures out west, and eventually his own slice of nature at his home in St. Croix Falls.

Joe is survived by son Sam; brothers Jerry (Carole), Bob (Lori), Kevin (Jenni), and Dan (Janet); sister-in-law Mary; many nieces and nephews; and close friends Eric Hansen and Tim Tuthill. He is preceded in death by parents Charles and Mary, and brother Jim.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016 with space to share memories during the final hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the ALS Association.