He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Mary Ann (Mlekoday), parents Michael and Elizabeth (Carpenter), brother John, sister Florence Mills (Brad). He is survived by his son Thomas (Ellen) Lapinski and daughter Jane (Doug) Svihel, grandchildren William and Sonja Lapinski, and Hannah, Jake and Jordyn Svihel, cousin Teresa Axtell (Mlekodaj) (Joe) and their children Kasia and Julia, and nieces and nephews Margaret, Tony, Michael and Karoline Mills.
Joe grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, attended grade school at Holy Cross Catholic Church and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1954. He "liked to argue" and was seen "innumerable times discussing important topics with the Brothers." Joe received a degree in education from the U of MN, and taught 9th grade science in Olivia, MN for one year. Joe then found interest in dentistry and graduated from the U of MN School of Dentistry in 1964. He married his beloved Mary Ann on October 31, 1964 and joined the Navy, stationed in Great Lakes, IL. Upon returning to Minneapolis in 1968 to raise their family, Joe practiced dentistry at Apache Medical Building, then at his own practice in Fridley, serving the community for more than 40 years.
Joe was a motivational force who loved family, community, education, travel, and fun, testing all boundaries. He was a member of Fridley Rotary club for decades and a regional student exchange officer, hosting nine exchange students over the years. In addition, they hosted Mary Ann's cousin, Teresa from Poland, who became part of their family.
Joe and Mary Ann were members of the Fridley Dancers and involved in the community. They enjoyed traveling, both foreign and domestic. They owned (and crashed) a number of motorhomes as they travelled from Alaska to Florida. Joe was an avid motorcyclist, bicyclist, skier, hunter, scuba diver, carpenter, canoeist, bird lover, and an all around adventurer. He was frugal, very well read and loved nothing more than a good discussion. He loved genealogy and exploration of his Polish heritage and passed that passion on to his kids and grandkids. Joe served on the Fridley School Board, the Parish Council of St. Williams Catholic Church, and the U of MN School of Dentistry Adjunct Faculty.
Recently, Joe resided at Presbyterian Homes, Johanna Shores, where he was fondly referred to as "the kid," and volunteered at the Bell Museum of Natural History, where he loved to "dispense wisdom." He will be remembered for his zest for life by his loving family and countless friends.
Joe graciously donated his body to the U of M Anatomy Bequest Program for the next generation of students to learn from.
There will be a service honoring Joe at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1621 University Ave NE, 55413. Friday June 20th, 10:00 Visitation, 11:00 Service.
