Joseph “Joe” A. Brookins, 72, Ellendale

Joseph “Joe” Allen Brookins, 72, of Ellendale, died Thursday, July 8, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.
He was born Aug. 18, 1948 in Cresco, Iowa the son of Robert and Isabelle (Drewelo) Brookins. He grew up in Cresco and graduated from Cresco High School in 1966. 
Joe was a dairy farmer, worked for his brother Roger, worked in maintenance at Jennie-O in Medford and part-time at Cabela’s in maintenance. 
On May 31, 1997, he married Georgyann Piepho at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna.
Joe enjoyed fishing trips up north, hunting, vegetable and flower gardening, playing cards (Polish Pfeffer) with friends, and spending time at the time-share in Detroit Lakes.
He is survived by his wife, Georgyann Brookins; children, Kevin Brookins, Jody (Jill) Brookins, Peggy Ahmetasevic, Barbie (Dean) Hofschulte, Rodney (Stephanie) Brookins, Angela (Robert) Carr, Dupree (Will) Tesmer, Matthew (Tiffany) Tufte and Dustin (Ashley) Tufte; siblings, Art (Doris) Brookins, Val Pettit, Judy Brookins, Joann (Ron) Brookins, Bonnie Dawley and Alberta (John) Linneman; sister-in-law, Elaine Brookins; grandchildren, Wonce, Dakota, Dalton, Makayla, Marshal, Wyatt, Lincoln, Alexandria, Nova, Madelyn, Cailey, Colton, Raya, Ava, Troy, Logan, Cooper, Brandy, Macey, Katie, Brooke and Blake; great-grandchildren, Wonce, Jr., Cora and Layton; step-children, Heather Cox and Angel Piepho and step-grandchildren, Elijah and Abigail.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Isabelle; brother, Roger and granddaughter, Amanda.
A Celebration of Life was held at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Rev. Kyle Smith officiated. Interment was in Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna.
Michaelson Funeral Homes of Owatonna handled the arrangements.