Joel Earl Gappa

Joel Earl Gappa, age 61 of Madelia, Minn, passed away on August 24, 2020. Following a 10 year battle with numerous cancers, Joel decided to spend his last precious days in the comfort of his own home surrounded by the ones who loved him most. Joel was born on February 27th, 1959 in Madelia to Mary (Rich) & Earl Gappa. He grew up in Madelia as 1 of 6 siblings, attending St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and Madelia High School where he graduated in 1977. While in high school, he enjoyed wood-working, hunting, and shenanigans with his childhood friends. Following high school, Joel immediately began working for the family business, Gappa Electric, which would turn into his life long career. More importantly, though, he met his forever love, Lise (Morin), who happened to be his foreign exchange student "sister" from Canada, and they began their love story for the ages. Never one to back down from a challenge, Joel didn't let the language barrier or distance stand in the way of his goals. He courted Lise from 1200 miles away for 2 years before they wed on May 10th, 1980 in Montreal, Canada. Joel and Lise would go on to have five kids between the years of 1982 and 1987. While raising their young family, Joel became a Master Electrician and began his 21 years of volunteer EMT service with the Madelia Rescue Squad. With his wife, they embarked on a cause close to their hearts by becoming foster parents to countless children throughout the years. Joel was the epitome of a family man and a hard worker, and always made it a priority to make memories on an annual family vacation. As an empty nester, Joel rediscovered his love of motorcycle riding, golfing, trap-shooting, and hunting with his dogs: Mollie, Jade, and George. He and Lise got the chance to travel more, with cruises and road trips out West being their favorites. Joel would undoubtedly tell you, though, that his favorite passion was being a Papa to all of his grandchildren. His specialties in that role included pancakes, popcorn, bonfires, and cuddling. Being a Papa was his motivation for enduring years of chemotherapy, secondary illnesses, surgeries, radiation and pain. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and always knew just how much their Papa adored them. A dear friend said it best when stating, "If a man's life is measured by how much he loves and is loved, then Joel lived more than one lifetime." Joel is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lise, who was also his strongest health advocate and soulmate. Surviving children include Jonathan (Alicia) Gappa of Madelia, Jessy (Erin) Gappa of Minneapolis, Jinette (Ryan) Lais of Madelia, Jamie (Joshua) Schlichting of Willernie, and Jennie Gappa (Steven) Kalwasinski of Madelia. Surviving grandchildren include Derek and Baby Girl Gappa; Edison and Theodore Gappa; Sonia, Joelle, Emerick, and Cullen Lais; Barrett and Emeslie Kalwasinski. Joel is preceded in death by his sister, Mary-Jo Saldana, and his parents, Earl and Mary Gappa. Visitation honoring Joel will be held at the Watona Park in Madelia on Friday August 28th from 4-8pm. This will be a "walk-through" event, in which the family asks that CDC guidelines are respected (sanitize hands, social distancing, wearing masks). Please use the West entrance (Dill Ave) to enter the park and follow signs to the tan shelter. In light of Covid, the funeral service will be held privately at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Madelia on August 29th. Joel will be laid to rest at Madelia's Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood products to your local blood banks as these infusions were lifesaving for Joel on multiple occasions. Monetary memorials will be donated to the local Veterans and Youth Mentor Hunts in Joel's honor. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel of Madelia. Online condolences may be left at www.sturmfh.com. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, August 28, 2020 Watona Park - tan shelter County Hwy 9 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Watona Park Visitation All who attend visitation are encouraged to wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines.