Joe Otis Blackstad, Jr.

Joseph Otis Blackstad, Jr., age 92, of Saint James, died on August 6, 2024, at his home.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James and will continue on Wednesday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Albion Lutheran Church. Funeral Service will be held at Albion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Joe was born June 2, 1932, to Joseph Sr. and Mina (Blekestad) Blackstad in Nelson Township, Watonwan County. He attended District 43 Country School.In 1952, he was drafted in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1954.

At the age of 18, Joe started driving semi-truck; hauling livestock from La Salle to St. Paul. Over the years he hauled for Roy Grilling, Arden William, Halter Trucking, D & A Truck Line, Dale Runge Trucking, Christenson Farms, and B & C Transportation. Joe also spent some time working at Tony Downs as well as many years on the family farm, milking cows, raising pigs, and planting corn and soybeans. Once retiring in 2009, Joe drove the VA bus, taking veterans to their appointments.

Through the years Joe had many interests. In his youth he played baseball and hockey. He spent many years shooting pool and even played in Las Vegas. One of Joe’s greatest passions was working on and refurbishing old tractors with his Massey 44 Special(Ella Mae) holding a special place in his heart.  In 1964, Joe started tractor pulling. As the years went by and his family grew, this was a hobby he got his children and grandchildren involved in as well. Joe enjoyed taking part in the annual Butterfield Thrashing Bee as well as many other pulls throughout southern Minnesota.

Joe is survived by his children, Gary (Elaine) of Windom, Clay of New Ulm, Larry of Saint James, Harley (Nancy Whitmore) of Garden City, and Carissa (Jason) Hanson of Saint James; grandchildren, Chris, Adam, Ryan, Jessica, Mitch, Mandy, Caity, Morgan, Larry Jr., Brian, Hayley, Alex, Derek, and Nevaeh; twenty great grandchildren; brother, Richard, of Minnesota Lake; sister, Goldie Alexander of Humboldt, Iowa; sister-in-law, Karen of Green Isle, Minnesota; special friend, Brenda Schultz of Saint James; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nikolas Trebesch; former wife, Shirley; twin sister, Mae (Everett) Lantz; brother, Ernest; sister-in-law, Barb Blackstad; brother-in-law, Bill Alexander; special friend, Ella Mae Gieseke; and nieces and nephews.