Joseph Gerald Shimota

Joseph Shimota age 72 of Alexandria died on Monday, December 21, 2015 at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 PM and a rosary to follow, visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. OBITUARY Joseph Gerald Shimota was born December 19, 1943 to Joseph Martin and Octiva Ann (Motzko) Shimota in Bertha, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm southwest of Clarissa and graduated from Clarissa High School. He attended Wadena Technical College for electronics. Joe worked for Control Data Corporation, working on the Polaris and Pitt Missile Computers, also at Boeing in Seattle. He was sent all over the country linking the U.S. Postal Office computers in Detroit and Chicago during the riots. He sold for Century, worked for Mert Larson Equipment and La Grange. He owned J&S Equipment and Joes Supplies, selling shop supplies to customers in 49 states and Canada. Joe loved his work and appreciated his customers. He mentored his son, John, to take over the business. Joe was united in marriage to Yvonne Wicklund on May 30, 1987 in Alexandria. They were blessed with three more children, Sara, John and Stephanie. Joe was involved with many organizations over the years, to mention a few: MN Deer Hunters, Viking Sportsman, Pheasants Forever, Cubmaster for the St. Mary’s Cub Scout Pack, Love Inc. and on the Parish Council at St. Nicholas Church. He was the Financial Secretary for the Knights of Columbus for fifteen years and was a member of the 4th Degree. He enjoyed working and helping others. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors with family and friends. Joe died on Monday, December 21, 2015 at his home at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne of Alexandria; children, Sara (fiancé, Jesse Holm) Shimota, John Shimota and Stephanie Shimota all of Alexandria; step-children, Angie (Dean) Krebs and Michael (Alison) Benham both of Alexandria; grandchildren, Taylor and Emily Benham, and Lauren, Hunter, and Wyatt Krebs; mother, Octiva Shimota of Clarissa; sisters, Shirley (Bill) Revering of Denton, TX, and Beverley (Robert) Geraets of Browerville; and many nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River with Father Greg Mastey officiating and Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235 and Minnesota National Honor Guard.

Joseph Gerald Shimota

December 19, 1943 - December 21, 2015