Joseph C. "Joe" Trnka

Joseph C. “Joe” Trnka, age 84 of Lonsdale, MN passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, surrounded by his family following an extended illness.

Joseph Clarence, the son of Joseph D. and Anna (Simon) Trnka was born on August 19, 1939, at their family farm in Forest Township, Rice County, MN.  He attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1956.   Following high school, Joe served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.  On October 1, 1960, he was united in marriage to Nancy Kubes in Veseli, MN.  Joe was a lifelong farmer in Forest Township, taking over the family farm from his parents and lived there till this day.  Joe loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, playing cards and good conversation.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Forest Township Board and the St. Lawrence Church Council.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Trnka; by his children, Wanda (John) Benjamin and Joe (Lisa) Trnka; by six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, Laure (Nate) Miller and their daughters, Olivia and Hazel; Adam (Tanisha) Benjamin; Scott (Shelby) Benjamin and their son, Charlie; Dominic Trnka (Abby Riegelman); Cullen (Sarah) Trnka and their children, Brooks and Brielle; Jordyn (Andrew) Brinkmann and their children, Ambrose and Tess; by his sister, Elaine Herda; by brothers-in-law, Bob (Betty) Kubes and Roger Kubes; by his sister-in-law, Emma Kubes and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph D. and Anna Trnka, by his brother, Ellard Trnka and by his sister Joann Winters.

A special thank you to the Northfield Retirement Center and Minnesota Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, MN with Fr. Tom Niehaus officiating.  

Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

 In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Minnesota Hospice in memory of Joe.