Rev. Dr. Bexell

Pastor Joel L. Bexell 71 of Cottage Grove died peacefully on March 27, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Joel was born in Illinois where his father served Andover Lutheran Church. During his childhood the family moved to Swedesburg and then Gowrie, Iowa. In 1962 they moved to Hastings, MN where he met his future wife, Donna (Davies). Both Joel and Donna graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Joel worked as a photographic chemist for 3M for five years. He attended Luther Northwestern Seminary and was ordained in 1977. He was the pastor developer for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove and served that parish for 27 years, retiring in 2003. During his years at St. Luke he completed his Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. After "retirement" he served 2 years as interim pastor for Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline, Illinois and one year for Farmington Lutheran Church.
In addition to serving his congregation, Joel was St. Paul District Dean and later synod secretary. He was also active in the 833 Education Foundation serving as vice president and then president. More recently he volunteered to conduct services in neighboring senior facilities.
Joel enjoyed traveling both on tours and in the motor home. He also loved to watch and photograph his eleven grandchildren. Joel also loved music and no matter how large the congregation he could be heard.
Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Donna; daughters, Wendy (Shannon)Sweeney, Julie (Todd) Sieben, Laurie, (Josh) Oien, Barbie (Paul) Erickson; grandchildren, Madison, Reese, Daniel, Megan, Lena, Greta, Violet, Lyla, Ben, Reed, Elin; brother Luther (Mary). Preceded in death by parents, Pastor Everett & Maurine.
Funeral service 1pm Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (400 9th St. W., Hastings) with visitation 4-8 Friday at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th St. S. Cottage Grove). Interment Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to American Diabetes Association or your local education foundation.