Joel Cofer

Joel N. Cofer, age 47, of Willmar, died Wednesday morning, November 4, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, November 10, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Monday, November 9, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and at the church one hour prior to the services.

Joel Neil Cofer was born September 1, 1962, in Paynesville to Neil and Janet (Prigge) Cofer. He was baptized and confirmed at Paynesville Lutheran Church. He moved with his family to Willmar in 1970 and graduated from Willmar High School in 1980 and then from the automotive program at the Willmar Vo-Tech in 1982. He married Sandy Butcher on September 15, 1984, and they made their home in Willmar. Joel worked as a mechanic for Swenson Motor Company, Ed's Service Center and for the past fifteen years at Midas Auto Center in Willmar. He was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church. He was a volunteer with the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad and served as Rescue Chief for six years. He was also active with the Hazardous Emergency Assistance Team and the Fire Chiefs Association. Joel enjoyed fixing things, woodworking, 4-wheeling and camping, especially the time spent with the "camping group."

Joel is survived by his wife: Sandy; two children: Joshua Cofer and Jaime Cofer, both of Willmar; his parents: Neil and Janet Cofer of Willmar; a brother: James Cofer of Willmar; two sisters: Julie (and Doug) Ledeboer and Jeanne Knake, both of Prinsburg; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.